TIGER ROLL PUT his name alongside legend Red Rum on Saturday winning back to back Grand Nationals in stunning style.
The 4-1 favourite, superbly ridden by Davy Russell, took up the running at the last fence and although 66-1 outsider Magic of Light came back at him the nine-year-old had enough to spare to emulate Red Rum’s feat in 1973-74.
The 39-year-old Russell pumped his arms in delight and got a huge hug from trainer Gordon Elliott.
“To win two successive Grand Nationals at my age you could scarcely believe it!” said Russell.
As Russell, who at one point in his career was fired by owner Michael O’Leary, waved his arms in celebration Elliott, normally unreadable, was sobbing.
Tiger Roll wins the #GrandNational for the 2nd year in a row!
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) April 6, 2019
What a run!
What a horse!#Aintree #GrandNational pic.twitter.com/vvPnPFMlbw
“I don’t get upset very often… but this is unbelievable” said Elliott, who was winning his third Grand National. He is a tiger.”
“Last year’s win was for Davy’s mum who had died, this year it is for my uncle who died.”
For O’Leary it was not about him making history. “It is not me making history it is Gordon, Davy and the horse,” he said.
The Ryanair chief’s brother Eddie who buys his horses, summed Tiger Roll up simply.
“He is now a superstar.”
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