Decision on whether dual winner runs to come ‘in due course’Brother of Michael O’Leary does not add to recent criticism“We’ve had our say, the handicapper has had his say and we’ll make our decision in due course,” was the nearest thing to a reaction from Tiger Roll’s owner, Michael O’Leary, on Tuesday after the dual Grand National winner was set to carry 11st 9lb, 1lb below top weight, if he attempts a record-equalling third success at Aintree on 10 April. This year’s race revolves around him, but uncertainty about whether Tiger Roll will even be there is likely to continue for several weeks yet.
The comment, from Eddie O’Leary, racing manager for his brother’s Gigginstown Stud, came after Tiger Roll was rated on 166 for this year’s National, 7lb higher than for his second win in 2019 and well above the mark “in the 150s” that Michael O’Leary has recently suggested might be required to see him line up. At the same time, though, it is 5lb below Tiger Roll’s rating when he last ran in a
British handicap, in a cross-country race at Cheltenham in November, and as low as Martin Greenwood, the handicapper, could realistically go given the 11-year-old’s previous form around Aintree.