No Tiger feat at Fairyhouse this year

Gigginstown star to miss Irish Grand National

Hopes that Tiger Roll will bid for a first Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday have been dashed by the news that the Cullentra House trained two-time Englisdh Grand National winner will run in the Betway Bowl at Aintree instead.

Racing manager for Gigginstown House Stud Eddie O’Leary insists that the British handicapper was wrong in his assessment of Tiger Roll’s weight for this year’s English Grand National, which resulted in the withdrawal of Tiger Roll from the race last month.

O'Leary insists that Tiger Roll will still go to aintree in good form, but instead of an attempt at a record equalling third Grand National success the five-time Cheltenham Festival winner will tackle the Betway Bowl.

“He goes to Aintree for the Bowl. He came out of Cheltenham in great form," said O'Leary.

"Red Rum won his third Grand National when he was 12, after he was dropped seven pounds, but I suppose Tiger will have to wait until he’s 17 to try and win his third by the way the English handicapper is carrying on.”

"The handicapper is totally wrong and he has lost Tiger Roll and Easysland from the Grand National. This isn’t just about Tiger Roll anymore."

The absence of Tiger Roll means Latest Exhibition will head the weights off 11st 10lb for the BoyleSports Irish Grand National.

His trainer Paul Nolan also had the option of the Grade 1 Underwriting Exchange Novice Chase on Sunday at Fairyhouse, but has decided to roll the big dice with his stable star.

"We tried to take into account that the longer trip and the better ground would suit him. The Irish Grand National is a great pot to win as well," said Nolan.

"It’s a prestigious race and we didn’t go to Cheltenham so we are coming here with a fresh horse. Hopefully we are making the right decision. If he can give a good account of himself and come home safe, we will be delighted.

"You’d be hoping that we have a satisfactory mark and that we might be a bit better than that. We might not be but, if we get a clear round on Monday, we think we have a great chance.

"His lack of experience is something you’d have to be worried about. He’s never run in a handicap and has run in small-field races over fences. But if Bryan (Cooper) is able to get him into a nice rhythm, you’d be hopeful he will have a big chance."

Gigginstown will be represented by Coko Beach, Mortal, Run Wild Fred and Roaring Bull. They are also responsible for the first reserve, Eurobot.