Tiger Roll clings on to prevail in Grand National thriller at Aintree

Tiger Roll and Davy Russell held on to claim a dramatic victory in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree.

Tiger Roll clings on to prevail in Grand National thriller at Aintree

Tiger Roll and Davy Russell held on to claim a dramatic victory in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree.

Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old landed his third Cheltenham Festival success in the Cross-Country Chase last month, to go with previous victories in the Triumph Hurdle and National Hunt Chase, and was among the market principals for the world's most famous steeplechase.

Russell cut a confident figure throughout the four-and-a-quarter-mile contest on the 10-1 shot and cruised to the front in the home straight.

But just when he looked to have victory sewn up, the Willie Mullins-trained Pleasant Company, who had been ridden prominently and jumped boldly, came with a late rattle to almost join him on the line.

However, after a brief wait the judge confirmed Tiger Roll the narrow winner.

Bless The Wings, the winner's stablemate was third, and Anibale Fly was fourth, as Irish runners dominated.

Russell dedicated his victory to leading Flat jockey Pat Smullen, who was diagnosed with a tumour last month.

He told ITV Racing: "I was afraid he wouldn't take to it as he's very economical with his jumping. They've done a marvellous job with this horse.

"This one is for Pat Smullen. I was speaking to him the other morning and he's as tough as nails.

"I really don't know what to say."

Elliott added: "It's unbelievable. Tiger Roll is a yard favourite. It's great for the yard, for Gigginstown (House Stud, owners), for everyone."

Elliott launched his career when Silver Birch became his first ever winner as a trainer in the 2007 Grand National.

Gigginstown House Stud, led by Ryanair supremo Michael O'Leary, won the National two years ago with Rule The World.

Pleasant Company, ridden by Rule The World's partner David Mullins, jumped with elan on the front end, but looked booked for minor honours when Tiger Roll strode clear.

But the leader began to falter as the post loomed and Pleasant Company was finishing like a train.

There was just a head between them at the line.

Bryony Frost, riding in the race for the first time, fared best of the three female jockeys, coming home fifth aboard the Neil King-trained Milansbar.

Elliott said: "I was nervous. I thought I had it, but you're so nervous watching it.

"I said I didn't appreciate the first time round. I'm definitely going to appreciate it now. It's great for my family and everyone at home.

"He's an unbelievable horse. I was fighting with Michael O'Leary telling him to keep this horse at Gigginstown when he retires and he said he wasn't good enough.

"He'd better keep him now!"

He added: "At one point I said he wasn't good enough and at one point retirement was an option, but I'm very lucky to be training for the O'Learys.

"It's unbelievable for Davy Russell. He's lost his mother and I'm sure his father Gerry is very proud at home watching. He had a new baby last week, too.

"Coming here I was really worried about the ground. All the way round I couldn't believe how he was going."

The finish was symbolic of the battle between the powerhouse stables of Elliott and Mullins in Ireland.

Elliott led for much of the way in the race to be crowned champion trainer in his homeland last season, only to be caught by Mullins in the final days of the season.

This year Elliott holds a big lead heading into the final weeks and his General Principle narrowly outpointed the Mullins-trained Isleofhopendreams in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday.

Elliott said: "Coming after the Cheltenham we had, we didn't dare dream this. We only beat him (Mullins) last week in the Irish National and now we've beaten him again, I can't believe it.

"Having to beat Willie is tough, he's an amazing man and sets the standards, one of the greatest of all time and to be training at the same time as him is unbelievable."

Grand National - full finishing order

1st TIGER ROLL 10-1

2nd Pleasant Company 25-1 head

3rd Bless The Wings 40-1 11 lengths

4th Anibale Fly 10-1 neck

5th Milansbar

6th Road To Riches

7th Gas Line Boy

8th Valseur Lido

9th Vieux Lion Rouge

10th Raz De Maree

11th Seeyouatmidnight

12th Baie Des Iles

Casualties:

Perfect Candidate, fell 1st

Blaklion, brought down 1st

I Just Know, fell 6th

Houblon Des Obeaux, fell 6th

Virgilio, fell 6th

Captain Redbeard, unseated 7th

Final Nudge, unseated 8th

Buywise, unseated 8th

Lord Windermere, unseated 8th

Alpha Des Obeaux, fell 15th

Saint Are, brought down 15th

The Dutchman, unseated 23rd

Ucello Conti, unseated 27th

Chase The Spud, pulled up 15th

Delusionofgrandeur, pulled up 17th

Maggio, pulled up 18th

Thunder And Roses, pulled up 26th

The Last Samuri, pulled up 26th

Tenor Nivernais, pulled up 26th

Shantou Flyer, pulled up 26th

Total Recall, pulled up 29th

Warriors Tale, pulled up 29th

Pendra, pulled up 29th

Double Ross, pulled up 29th

Carlingford Lough, pulled up run in

Childrens List, pulled up run in

PA

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