History could be in the making on April 4th with Tiger Roll amongst the 89 remaining contenders for this year’s Grand National, the ten-year-old due to complete his preparations for the world-famous steeplechase as he looks to grab a fifth win at the Cheltenham Festival next month.
No horse has even won the Grand National three years in succession, however Gordon Elliott-trained Tiger Roll is 5/1 favourite to achieve this feat.
Stablemate Delta Work – seen as a genuine contender for next month’s Gold Cup – was one of a total of sixteen horses taken out of contention for the Grand national alongside Missed Approach, Chris’s Dream, Native River and Noble Endeavor.
Last year’s runner-up Magic Of Light remains on course to make an appearance at the Grand National despite finishing some distance behind Tiger Roll in the recent Boyne Hurdle. She had been in excellent form prior to this with wins at Newbury and Ascot.
Trainer Jessica Harrington said: “Magic Of Light is in good form. She wasn’t as slick at her hurdles in Navan, but I think the ground was just too heavy for her.
“The Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham was an option, but the race looks very competitive – she would have been taking on two talented mares in Benie Des Dieux and Honeysuckle if they run. With that in mind, she will go straight to Aintree.
“She has a nice weight for Aintree and we are looking forward to taking her back there.”
Stablemate Jett also remains in the mix for a Grand National appearance, the horse having run well in decent company in each of his last two outings.
“Jett is our other contender for the Grand National and the plan would be to run him, provided the ground is suitable,” said Harrignton.
“He prefers better ground to testing conditions, but he has run some fine races in defeat this season.
“I have been delighted with him and think there is plenty more to come from him.
“He stays very well and is a good jumper and has plenty of tactical speed.”
