Two-time Grand National winner Tiger Roll won’t be aiming for the record books in the 2021 Grand National, at least not in the famous Aintree steeplechase. The Gigginstown House Stud have confirmed that he has now been withdrawn from the showpiece event due to ‘unfair weight.
This latest development came soon after trainer Gordon Elliott was given a temporary ban from entering runners into any UK races and is being investigated by the BHA with regard to a photo released of him sitting on a dead horse.
Ten-year-old Tiger Roll became the first runner since Red Rum to win the Grand National two times in succession when triumphing in 2018 and 2019, however he was denied any chance of repeating this feat in 2020 due to the race being cancelled in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The reason being given for today’s announcement was the unfair weight given to Tiger Roll, a mark of 166 being six pounds higher than when he won the race in 2019.
A Gigginstown House statement read:
“The handicapper has decided to rate him on his reputation than his form – which we fully accept is his prerogative – but we have a duty of care to Tiger, and so we will not ask him to carry an unfair weight burden especially as he gets older and his form declines.
“We regret to announce that Tiger Roll will be removed from the Grand National entries at Tuesday’s forfeit stage. We hope he will run next as planned in the Cheltenham Country race, where we hope he will enjoy himself and run well.
“After that, we will consider his future wellbeing, which may involve retirement if his handicap mark is not adjusted to more fairly reflect his age and form over the past two seasons.”
This will be a disappointment for many racing enthusiasts hoping to see him in action on April 10th – albeit behind closed doors – however he will, as stated, probably be making an appearance at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival as planned.
