‘People’s horse’ Tiger Roll honoured in documentary

Elliott superstar “in flying form”, with sights now set on history bid in 2021.

Gordon Elliott has hailed dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll as the “people’s horse”.

The County Meath trainer would have been just hours away from readying his 10-year-old for an attempt on a third win in the world’s greatest steeplechase – emulating Red Rum, but also standing along as the first to win the race three times in succession.

The coronavirus pandemic means that will not happen this year, but Tiger Roll is expected to be back for another go in 2021.

Elliott was speaking on the day a film by Betfair honouring the remarkable Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding was unveiled.

‘Tiger Roll – The Horse Of A Lifetime’ celebrates his career to date, charting his rise from winning a lowly juvenile Hurdle at Market Rasen, to scaling the dizzy heights of Cheltenham and Aintree – and the missed opportunity to make history at Aintree.

Gordon Elliott and owner Michael O'Leary at the 2019 homecoming of Tiger Roll
Gordon Elliott and owner Michael O’Leary at the 2019 homecoming of Tiger Roll (Brian Lawless/PA)

Elliott said: “He is the people’s horse and this documentary gives viewers a great understanding of the path he has taken us on, in what, it’s fair to say, hasn’t always been a smooth path.

“We were close to selling him, but luck or faith meant we didn’t, thank God, and while it’s disappointing to miss this year’s Grand National, as he is in flying form at home, there are currently more important things going on in the world, so it’s all systems go for the 2021 Grand National.

“That’s something to look forward to.”

Co-producer Robyn Ree said: “Working on the Tiger Roll documentary has been a roller coaster ride. In an industry as fast paced as horse racing the story of Tiger Roll was and continues to constantly evolve.

“Filmed over a six-month period, we followed a number of people who can claim credit for Tiger Roll’s success throughout the years. Betfair’s access to these world-class individuals provided us with the unique opportunity to tell the full story of the ‘Horse of a Lifetime’.”

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