Tiger Roll may find he has a lion’s heart today

Tiger Roll has been called both a “little rat” by his owner Michael O’Leary, and “lion-hearted” by jockey Davy Russell — but the latter quality will be needed if he is to emulate the legendary Red Rum and win back-to-back Grand Nationals at Aintree today.

Tiger Roll may find he has a lion’s heart today

Tiger Roll has been called both a “little rat” by his owner Michael O’Leary, and “lion-hearted” by jockey Davy Russell — but the latter quality will be needed if he is to emulate the legendary Red Rum and win back-to-back Grand Nationals at Aintree today.

Youghal’s Russell will once again be in the saddle — trainer Gordon Elliott contributes an astonishing 11 of the 40 runners — and is a hot favourite to become the first horse since Red Rum in 1973/74 to win the world’s greatest steeplechase on successive occasions.

The annihilation of a classy field in the Cross Country race at Cheltenham last month suggests it will take a monumental performance to prevent him from doing so.

Even if he does cross the line in front, those raised on the Red Rum legend — such as Donald McCain, the son of ‘Rummie’s’ trainer Ginger — will not be mentioning him in the same breath.

“I think Tiger Roll has a great chance of winning another National,” said McCain, who trained a National winner himself in Ballabriggs in 2011.

more courts articles

Micah Richards ‘grappled’ with man accused of headbutting Roy Keane, court told Micah Richards ‘grappled’ with man accused of headbutting Roy Keane, court told
Roy Keane ‘in shock’ after being ‘headbutted’ through doors, court told Roy Keane ‘in shock’ after being ‘headbutted’ through doors, court told
Roy Keane ‘in shock’ after being ‘headbutted’ through doors, court told Roy Keane ‘in shock’ after being ‘headbutted’ through doors, court told

More in this section

Royal Scotsman returns to winning ways in spectacular fashion Royal Scotsman returns to winning ways in spectacular fashion
Darren Norris: Epsom Derby revolves around City of Troy Darren Norris: Epsom Derby revolves around City of Troy
The Betfred Derby Festival - Ladies Day - Epsom Downs Racecourse Ezeliya is Oaks queen for Weld and Hayes at Epsom
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited