TIGER ’ S FESTIVAL FEATS Alan Sweetman on the Cheltenham achievements of Tiger Roll, the little legend who’s not just a National hero
Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase 2019 One month on from his third Festival win, Tiger Roll triumphed under Davy Russell in the 2018 Randox Health Grand National, earning a lengthy break from which he returned with a fourth behind Josies Orders at Cheltenham in November. Three months later, making his first appearance over hurdles in almost three years and ostensibly having a prep-race, he underlined his remarkable versatility with a stunning 25-1 victory in the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan. Clearly better than ever, he was sent off 5-4 favourite for his repeat bid at The Festival. He never gave his supporters a moment of anxiety during a superlative exhibition over the 32 obstacles, Donoghue riding him handily before easing him to the front five out. He came home an unextended 22-length winner from Josies Orders, cementing his reputation as a Cheltenham legend en route to becoming the first back- to-back Grand National winner for 45 years. His owner may have cast doubt on a bid to outdo the great Red Rum by winning a third consecutive National but there is no such uncertainty surrounding another Festival appearance in the 2020 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.
March 2020 The Festival 57
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