Tiger Roll fourth at Cheltenham
Trainer Gordon Elliott expressed delight with Tiger Roll after the eight-year-old finished fourth in the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham today.
It was the gelding's first start since his memorable victory in April's Randox Health Grand National, in which he carried Davy Russell to victory in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud.
Today he was held up for much of the race, crept into contention on the final circuit, but, carrying top-weight, could not reach the leaders in the home straight.
Victory went to the Enda Bolger-trained Josie's Order (2/1f) ahead of Fact Of The Matter (7/1) and Jarob (12/1) by three-quarters of a length and the same withTiger Roll (11/4) a further four lengths away.
"It was lovely - Keith (Donoghue) thought he was a bit rusty early on and had a couple of blows, but Tiger is obviously getting a bit cuter at home," stated Elliott.
"I loved the way he galloped from the third-last to the line, and I'm looking forward to coming back here and running off level weights in December and March .
"He gave over a stone to the winner and nearly two stone to the next pair, so the races to come are tailor-made for him, and the race in March is his Gold Cup.
"It's great to get him out and people love to see these horses - we're just delighted he's back in one piece and has run so well.
"You never know until you run them (after Aintree) but the way he galloped was great to see.
"It's more important to come back here and try to win at The Festival than it is to go back to Aintree.
"We all know how hard it is to win two Grand Nationals, but to win at four Cheltenham Festivals would be a dream come true," he added.
"That was a good start back, as we knew he hadn't done much," stated jockey Keith Donoghue.
"The main aim is March. He was giving the winner 15lb and the second and third nearly two stone.
"Off level weights next time, we will improve a lot," added the jockey.