National hero Tiger Roll back over hurdles at Navan
Another cross-country challenge is in the offing at Cheltenham in March.
Dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll is back in action at Navan on Saturday where he runs in the Navan Handicap Hurdle. His victory at the Cheltenham Festival in March – a third in the cross-country chase and incredibly a fifth at the showpiece meeting overall – showed that he still had the appetite for racing. However, almost a year on Gordon Elliott’s stalwart once again finds himself with something to prove having pulled up on his only outing this season at Aintree. A look through his form suggests he tends to reserve his best for the turn of the year, though, and following some respite from the Irish handicapper, he can run at a level his connections feel is more realistic – with jockey Rob James helping matters by taking 7lb off his back. “Hopefully the ground is nice and that should be in his favour,” said Eddie O’Leary of owners Gigginstown House Stud. “He comes to life in the cross-country races and Grand Nationals, things like that, he just doesn’t have the same appetite for normal fences. “He just doesn’t like normal fences, and it’s Gordon’s ability in getting him back in love with it by hunting him and going cross-country. He loves the cross-country discipline, I think everyone knows that by now. “He’s won good races over hurdles though, he won the Boyne (2019), but then the handicapper took that to him being a brilliant horse and he hasn’t had a chance to run in a handicap since then. “He’ll definitely have a National entry, but if he has a huge weight he won’t go.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ballyburn secures record-breaking win for Willie Mullins
Trainer sets another new mark with 4,378th career success.
-
State Man seals perfect season with Punchestown glory
Willie Mullins’ charge sees off Irish Point in the Boodles Champion Hurdle.
-
Brides Hill strolls to Punchestown victory
Gavin Cromwell’s mare registers 21-length verdict in Grade Two company.
-
Outbox springs 50-1 surprise in Jockey Club prize
Veteran performer strikes Group Two gold at Newmarket.
-
Boiling Point too hot for Newmarket rivals
Royal Ascot next on the agenda for Roger Varian’s charge.
-
O’Brien and City Of Troy all set for Classic day of reckoning
All the work has been done – now the big day has come for unbeaten Guineas favourite.
-
Beautiful Diamond aiming to sparkle in Palace House
Connections believe filly can make her mark over five furlongs this term.
-
Caviar hits Newmarket Heights for Karl Burke
Listed winner now 33-1 for the Derby after impressive outing.
-
Rosallion ready to rumble after winter of content
‘I know he’s the best in the yard… we’ll find out on Saturday if he’s the best in the race’.
-
Lossiemouth poised for starring role on final day of Punchestown
Magnificent grey mare can complete unbeaten campaign.