Tiger Roll enters this year’s Grand National as not only the defending champion, but also as this year’s Cheltenham Glenfarclas Chase winner. The past 12 months have seen the Irish Thoroughbred win three of his four races, the only loss came at the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in November.
Despite that, Tiger Roll is on a roll, and looking at the Grand National betting options on Betfair, he is the favorite to retain his title. The bookies have given Tiger Roll a price of 7/2, some way ahead of second favourite Rathvinden, who comes in at 9/1.
With the Grand National just around the corner, we take a look at whether Tiger Roll will remain on a roll.
2018 Grand National win
Tiger Roll entered the Grand National off the back of an impressive win in the Glenfarclas Chase at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival and was one of the favorites entering the Grand National, having been priced at 10/1. The Willie Mullins trained horse Total Recall was the 7/1 favourite heading into the race, but fell at the 29th fence.
Blaklion, who was another early favourite, was brought down by Perfect Candidate at the first fence, while I Just Know, who was leading at the time, fell at Becher’s Brook and Ucello Conti unseated his rider at the 27th.
After The Dutchman unseated his rider at Foinavon on the second circuit, Pleasant Company took the lead, with Seeyouamidnight remaining close in second. By the time they had reached the 29th fence, Tiger Roll had made his move and taken the lead. In the home straight, Pleasant Company fought back, but couldn’t quite retake the lead, losing out to Tiger Roll by a head.
2019 Ireland Boyne Hurdle
The Ireland Boyne Hurdle at Navan Racecourse was a special win for Tiger Roll, as he had been given odds of 25/1 prior to the race. Bachasson set off as the favourite at a price of 5/4, but disappointed, finishing in fourth place.
Tiger Roll began the race at the rear of the pack, but kept up the pace with the race leaders. As he moved up through the field he seized his opportunity and was clear of the pack before the last. He finished four lengths clear of Off You Go, who was the second favourite.
2019 Glenfarclas Chase
In stark contrast to his odds in the Ireland Boyne Hurdle, Tiger Roll returned to the Cheltenham as the favourite to successfully defend his Glenfarclas Chase title. His victory in the race the previous year saw him win by just two lengths, something he would improve on this time around.
He sat in midfield for most of the race, moving into second before the 22nd before taking the lead with five fences to go. He drew clear of the chasing pack with just two fences to jump and won his second successive Glenfarclas Chase by an incredible 22 lengths.
2019 Grand National?
Tiger Roll knows when to turn on the style, as he has proven at both the Grand National and Cheltenham Festival. Assuming he doesn’t get taken out by another horse, it’s clear to see that he should be there or thereabouts come the finish line. But beware, this is one of the most unpredictable races and anything came happen come race day.
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