The countdown until the 2020 Grand National weights are announced is almost at an end with the participation of two-time back-to-back winner Tiger Roll apparently hanging on whatever rating he is given by the handicapper.
Michael and Eddie O’Leary, owners of the first back-to-back winner of the Grand National in 45 years, have implied that they may reconsider running the horse should the BHA handicapper fail to compress to an acceptable level the rating he is allowed to run off.
They will soon discover whether or not their repeated pleas to have the rating of Tiger Roll compressed have been successful, the Grand National weights to be announced at St George’s Hall, Liverpool later this afternoon.
History could be made should the pocket rocket appear at the 2020 renewal of the famous steeplechase, however Gigginstown racing manager Eddie O’Leary said: “Whether Tiger Roll runs in the Grand National or not very much depends on the handicapper. We’re not playing games, not at all. See More Business was compressed 8lb in 2001, Exotic Dancer was compressed 8lb in 2009, and in 2010 Albertas Run was 5lb lower.
“More recently, Synchronised in 2012 was 6lb lower, in 2013 Tidal Bay was compressed 11lb and the following year by 7lb. In 2015 Carlingford Lough was compressed 5lb and Bristol De Mai was 5lb lower last year. What does that tell you?”
“We would love to see Tiger there. Racing would love to have him, as would Aintree, so it’s up to the BHA now. They’ve compressed the race by 8lb on average for the past ten years.”
