Dual Grand National Winner Tiger Roll to Run on Flat
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Photo: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Tiger Roll goes to post before winning the 2019 Grand National at Aintree
Good news has been hard to come by in Ireland in recent days but Gordon Elliott has single-handedly lifted the mood by taking the wraps off Tiger Roll early and declaring the dual Grand National winner for a 14-furlong maiden at Navan Oct. 22.
Promising pony racing graduate Sam Ewing, who claims seven pounds, has been entrusted with the ride as Tiger Roll faces nine rivals on his first start since chasing home Easysland in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham in March.
Elliott described Tiger Roll to be "absolutely bouncing" last week when stating his intention to run the 10-year-old at Navan, but has warned his star inmate will come on for his reappearance.
He said: "I haven't had a chance to look at the race but it's the ideal starting point and he'll come on a lot for it. He's very well at home but, whatever he does, he'll improve from it."
Elliott added: "He won't go to Down Royal (at the end of the month) now. I'd say we'll look at running him over hurdles or we could bring him over for a cross-country race at Cheltenham as well. We'll just get Navan out of the way first."
The four-time Cheltenham Festival winner was last seen running on the flat when second in a two-mile maiden at Dundalk under Rory Clearly in 2016.
Tiger Roll also contested the John Shortt Legends Challenge Race at Punchestown in October 2017 when he chased home then stablemate Pallasator under Philip Dempsey.
Ewing has had nine winners from 80 rides in 2020 and this will be his fourth ride for Elliott.
On the young rider, Elliott said: "Sam rides well and he takes a nice bit of weight off his back which should be a help."