Don’t be fooled by this “little rat of a thing” and his diminutive stature, says Kate Johnson of the dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll, for this larger-than-life character – who was bred for the Flat – never once fell and knew how to work a crowd

Tiger Roll was a box-office sort of horse. Fittingly, the 2022 Cheltenham Festival delivered more drama than the Oscars.

Rachael Blackmore was “absolutely lost for words” when she became the first woman to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup with a note-perfect ride on A Plus Tard and was greeted with rapturous applause. Jack Kennedy rode a fearsome race on Delta Work to win the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase on an almost waterlogged course and was met with thunderous boos.

The reason? He’d relegated beloved Tiger Roll and Davy Russell into second place and denied what would have been, in Irish trainer Gordon Elliott’s words, “the perfect ending”.

The owners, the O’Learys’ Gigginstown House Stud, had already announced Tiger would retire and live with Michael and his family as his “fifth child” after this race.

Davy was surprised by the crowd’s reaction and says, “I’ve never heard it before. I can understand where people were coming from, but it seemed to be in jest, it didn’t feel like there was any malice in it.”

The emotion Tiger inspires is no surprise to Jerry O’Brien, the retired Coolmore vet who bred the now 16-year-old diminutive bay with the outsized whiter-than-white star and pony-ish thick forelock as a Flat horse.

He recalls with great tenderness his first sight of the foal: “He had an air of invincibility, a beautiful head, an air of whatever it is – confidence – he had that look, you see it in people too, whatever it is.”

All this and “a beautiful mover, a daisy cutter. He’d do anything for you, very placid, though if you took him on or tried to bully him, you wouldn’t win.”

Tiger – or Sausage – Roll

Tiger Roll’s career started unpromisingly at Godolphin in Newmarket where Jerry notes with no delight he was nicknamed “Sausage Roll” and says,“I think they didn’t understand him, he needed one-to-one treatment.”

Having bought Tiger at Tattersalls, Godolphin sold him, unraced, to National Hunt trainer Nigel Hawke. When he refused to go down to the gallops, instead of arguing with him, they showed him a fence and “he cleared it, and the rest is history”.

“They never taught him how to jump, he trained himself,” Jerry says with obvious pride.

His first race was over hurdles, rather than the traditional bumper Flat race, and he won. Nigel said at the time, “this horse can do anything”.

He changed hands and by the time he trounced his competition at the 2014 Cheltenham Festival Triumph Hurdle, he was owned by the O’Learys and trained by Gordon Elliott, who says of the race that put Tiger on the map: “He always showed a brilliant attitude. When he won, if he’d done nothing from then, we wouldn’t have been disappointed, but he never stopped pleasing us.”

The race wasn’t the rocket launch pad one might expect, though, and Tiger’s light wasn’t always burning bright. Plenty of people thought he’d lost his way.

At the next Festival, he only made 13th place in the World Hurdle, and his next win at the Festival wasn’t until the 2017 novices’ chase. In 2018, he took the Cross Country Chase, again in 2019 by 22 lengths, and by 18 lengths in 2021.

He’d found his race, though there were plenty of disappointing runs between these victories, including being pulled up in the 2020 Cross Country Chase and the Grade One chase at Aintree in 2021 when he finished 92 lengths behind the winner. Gordon never gave up on the horse he describes as “a bit of a character”.

“He was very straightforward, he liked getting on with things and getting his own way,” so Tiger went hunting, cross-country and to the beach, all to spark his interest.

The 2018 Grand National was one more attempt to relight the fire.

Davy Russell recalls: “I felt I was going to be finished very early, I didn’t think he had any chance,” explaining that Tiger’s an “economical jumper”.

“I’d have thought before I rode that he wouldn’t get round in an old National, but guaranteed he’d have won the Grand National no matter what the fences are. He’s just so shocking clever and wicked quick with his fences. I thought it would catch him out, but he knew what he was doing.”

Davy remembers landing over Becher’s Brook: “Tiger sidestepped a horse on the ground and came back to where he was. He was looking after me as much as anything else,” he says.

“The experience was unreal, heart in your mouth at times, he gets so low at his fences, you don’t know if he’ll lift his legs high enough. He has it to a fine art.”

Praise indeed from such an experienced and successful jockey, who gave Tiger a race that Jerry O’Brien describes as “poetry in motion”. He remembers Davy losing an iron between fences and “without losing any momentum or balance he gently got his foot back in. That’s horsemanship at its best.”

How the Tiger ticks

Davy had found the key to Tiger. On the surface, it’s simply that “Tiger just loves jumping” but the jockey also understands the horse.

“He’s not that keen on being told what to do, you have to ask him to do it,” he explains. “He’ll give you everything, empty the tank, whatever he has he’ll give, as long as you don’t ask for too much too soon.”

It’s the same trait that Jerry first noticed in his foal.

Come the 2019 Grand National, the 4/1 favourite was so wound up, Davy needed a lead from another jockey to the start. This time, he recalls: “I felt he kept a little bit to himself the first year, he was a little bit idle which gave him the opportunity to come back and have another go.”

Together they pulled off a feat not seen since Red Rum in 1974. Gordon says: “Any horse can do it once, but to come back and do it the following year, carrying a lot more weight was very special.”

He was ruled out of the Grand National in 2022 and his – depending on whom you ask – much-fancied chance to equal Red Rum’s record of three wins, when his owner Micheal O’Leary vociferously disagreed with the handicappers’ assessment and withdrew him.

As Tiger’s career was winding down after five Cheltenham wins and two Grand Nationals, Mary Nugent, who looked after the star, says the staff drew lots before his races, “to give everyone a chance to lead him up”.

“You could work in racing for years and very rarely come across one like him,” she says. “To have any involvement at all is amazing.”

None of which would come as news to Tiger.

Gordon says: “He knows he’s the man, he’s a bit of a show-off.”

And Mary agrees: “He knows how good he is. He’s a really strong character, he knows his own name and when you call him, he comes to his door and expects treats all the time.”

When Gordon’s friends brought their children to the yard, staff would put them up for a spin.

“He’s as good as gold, then a jockey gets on and he tries to buck them off,” says Mary with obvious affection. “He is what he is, there’s not a bad bone in his body, he’s just a monkey.”

From underdog to national treasure

Why did the public take to him so strongly?

“I think it’s because he’s the underdog – having won at the Festival, he disappeared for a couple of years,” says Davy.

“He was small and unwanted at the start, though he was always well looked after, but he was bred for a different job than he ended up doing. And then to win not once but twice…

“People around the world have an interest in the Grand National, those associated with it end up being household names and for him to continue winning after, which is not the norm, adds to his reputation.”

Gordon agrees: “He’s not the biggest, but he’s got a big heart. It’s his style of racing, he never knows when he’s beaten, a few have said he’s gone and he keeps coming back.”

Surprisingly, when Gordon considers what this horse has done for the yard, it’s not the prestigious wins he cites, but something more intimate and emotional.

“The morale he brings around the place is unbelievable,” he says. “Everyone who comes into the yard – the postman, DHL, someone to see another horse – the first question is, ‘Where’s Tiger Roll?’

“He’s bigger than the yard, bigger than horse racing, all they want to see is Tiger, he stands out on his own.”

Michael O’Leary ungallantly once described Tiger as, “a little rat of a thing, not a good horse, not a class horse, just a complete overachiever”, which Jerry says merely had the effect of “putting everyone on Tiger’s side”.

And for the record, he’s not that small. He’s had more inches added to and subtracted from his height than Tom Cruise over the years, but he was measured at the yard for this article and… he’s 16hh. Or is he? Jerry maintains that he leant into him (he visited Tiger after his second Grand National win) and he’d put him at 15.3hh but “perhaps he was wearing shoes?”.

It’s clear that the only thing that all connections can agree on, is that Tiger Roll is without a doubt the horse of a lifetime.

Facts and figures

• Tiger Roll was sired by the 2007 Derby winner Authorized and bred as a Flat horse
• He was bought at Tattersalls by Godolphin, who later sold him, unraced to National Hunt Nigel Hawke for £10,000, where he won his debut as a three-year-old over hurdles before being sold for £80,000 to the Gigginstown House Stud and celebrating his fourth birthday by winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on 14 March 2014
• 45 races
• Nine-year career
• 13 wins
• £1.4million prize-money
• Never once fell
• One of only three horses to win five times at the Cheltenham Festival

Alice Plunkett: ‘Not one person didn’t want him to win’

ITV Racing presenter Alice Plunkett recalls Tiger’s last race at the Cheltenham Festival on 16 March 2022, when he finished second in heavy going to his stablemate Delta Work.

“I went into the pre-parade ring to see him and everyone was appreciating the moment, knowing it was the last time we’d see him on a racecourse,” says Alice.

“I followed him to the parade ring, he was getting a round of applause everywhere he went. It was very emotional, to be there walking along next to him, eight years after the Triumph Hurdle, realising how small he is, how big a personality he has, how much the public loved him.

“When the commentators said, ‘Tiger’s taking the lead,’ the place went mad, everyone was screaming ‘Come on Tiger!’ Not one person didn’t want him to win.

“He got a reception like I’d hardly seen. We averaged 1.2 million viewers for Cheltenham and it peaked at 1.6 million for Tiger Roll.”

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Three-time Cheltenham Festival winner Delta Work, who finished runner-up in last year’s Grand National, has died at the age of 12 following a bout of colic.

Trained by Gordon Elliott, Delta Work won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham Festival in 2022, beating Tiger Roll in the process, and he won the same race 12 months later too. He also won the Pertemps Final at the Festival in 2018.

Mr Elliott said: “Sadly Delta Work died this morning as a result of colic. After showing signs of colic he was brought to Fethard Equine Hospital and was operated on but sadly there was nothing that could be done for him.

“Everyone here is gutted by this news. He was such a huge favourite of the yard and he gave us so many memorable days over so many seasons. As a five-time Grade One winner and a triple Cheltenham Festival winner he was everything you could hope for in a racehorse.”

Delta Work ran in the famous Gigginstown colours of maroon with a white star belonging to Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary.

“It was an honour and privilege to train him for Michael and Anita O’Leary,” said Mr Elliott. “We will be lucky to come across a horse of such class, versatility and longevity again.”

Delta Work amassed £957,599 in prize money, winning 12 of his 40 career starts, and he was placed on 12 other occasions. He won five Grade Ones over fences, including the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown during the 2019-20 campaign.

Delta Work was last seen finishing fourth in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham last month and he was being geared up for the Cross Country Chase at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

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The Grand National entries for the 2024 race, which takes place at Aintree Racecourse on 13 April, have been announced.

Among the 94 entries is 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler, trained by Lucinda Russell and owned by The Ramblers.

Noble Yeats, who won in 2022 and finished fourth last year, is also engaged again as is Vanillier, the runner-up 12 months ago.

There is a 26-strong entry from Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, which beats the record total of 22 he put in the Grand National in 2019. He has won the race three times; once with Silver Birch and twice with Tiger Roll.

The total number of horses accepted to run in the Grand National has been reduced from 40 to 34 for 2024, and the final runners will be confirmed 48 hours before the race, which starts at a revised time of 4pm, moved from the later 5.15pm off time, which had been in place since 2016.

Of the 94 Grand National entries, 61 are Irish-trained, which beats the previous highest number of 54, set last year when Ireland provided 25 of the 39 runners on the day.

The deadline for trainers to enter their horses was on 6 February and the next staging post is 20 February, when the British Horseracing Authority will announce the weight that each horse will be required to carry in the race.

Grand National entries for 2024

Adamantly Chosen (IRE), seven years old, owned by the Watch This Space Syndicate and trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Ain’t That A Shame (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Robcour, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Amirite (IRE), eight years old, owned by Patrick Hale, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Angels Dawn (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Alfred Sweetnam, trained by S. Curling (Ireland).

Annual Invictus (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Thomas Michael Smith, trained by Chris Gordon.

Ashtown Lad (IRE), 10 year sold, owned by Darren & Annaley Yates, trained by Dan Skelton.

Ash Tree Meadow (FR), eight years old, owned by Alymer Stud Ltd, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Asterion Forlonge (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mrs J. Donnelly, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Battleoverdoyen (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Pioneer Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Bronn (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Busselton (FR), seven years old, owned by Mr Michael Hilary Burke, trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Ireland).

Capodanno (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Celebre d’Allen (FR), 12 years old, owned by Mr Allan Stennett, trained by Philip Hobbs & Johnson White.

Cepage (FR), 12 years old, owned by The Bellamy Partnership, trained by Venetia Williams.

Chambard (FR), 12 years old, owned by David & Carol Shaw, trained by Venetia Williams.

Chemical Energy (IRE), eight years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Classic Getaway (IRE), eight years old, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Coko Beach (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Conflated (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Corach Rambler (IRE), 10 years old, owned by The Ramblers, trained by Lucinda Russell.

Delta Work (FR), 11 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Desertmore House (IRE), nine years old, owned by O.B.P Carroll/Anthony Vaughan, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Diol Ker (FR), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Dunboyne (IRE), nine years old, owned by S.P O’Connor, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Dusart (IRE), nine years old, owned by Bartlett & Carthy, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Eklat de Rire (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mr P. Davies, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Eldorado Allen (FR), 10 years old, owned by J P Romans & Terry Warner, trained by Joe Tizzard.

Embittered (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Empire Steel (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Alan Wight, trained by Sandy Thomson.

Fakiera (FR), nine years old, owned by Mrs Martina Griffin, trained by Eoin Griffin (Ireland).

Fakir d’Alene (FR), nine years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Fakir d’Oudairies (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Ireland).

Famous Bridge (IRE), eight years old, owned by Hemmings Racing, trained by Nicky Richards.

Fantastic Lady (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr E. R Hanbury, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Farouk d’Alene (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Favori de Champdou (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Fiddlerontheroof (IRE), 10 years old, owned by The Minions, trained by Jim Boyle.

Foxy Jacks (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Ms Rachel Carthy, trained by M. F Morris (Ireland).

Frontal Assault (IRE), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Full Back (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr Ashley Head, trained by Gary Moore.

Fury Road (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Sierra Pacific & Pioneer Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Galia des Liteaux (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr Michael Ariss, trained by Dan Skelton.

Galvin (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr R. A Bartlett, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Gevrey (FR), eight years old, owned by Denis Gallagher Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Glengouly (FR), eight years old, owned by Roaringwater Syndicate, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Good Boy Bobby (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Dash Grange Stud, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Hewick (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr T. J McDonald, trained by John Joseph Hanlon (Ireland).

Highland Hunter (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Nic Brereton & Lindsey Brennan, trained by Fergal O’Brien.

I Am Maximus (FR), eight years ole, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Iron Bridge (IRE), eight years old, owned by Hemmings Racing, trained by Jonjo O’Neill.

Its On The Line (IRE), seven years old, owned by C. C. R. Racing Syndicate, trained by Emmet Mullins (Ireland).

James du Berlais (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Janidil (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Kinondo Kwetu, eight years old, owned by Gunalt Partnership, trained by Sam England.

Kitty’s Light, eight years old, owned by R J Bedford & All Stars Sports Racing, trained by Christian Williams.

Latenightpass, 11 years old, owned by Mrs P. A. Ellis, trained by Dan Skelton.

Le Milos, nine years old, owned by The Jolly Good Partnership, trained by Dan Skelton.

Letsbeclearaboutit (IRE), nine years old, owned by Alymer Stud Ltd, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Limerick Lace (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Longhouse Poet (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Sean & Bernardine Mulryan, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Macs Charm (IRE), nine years old, owned by Macs Charm Syndicate, trained by Colm A. Murphy (Ireland).

Mac Tottie, 11 years old, owned by Steve & Jackie Fleetham, trained by Peter Bowen.

Mahler Mission (IRE), eight years old, owned by Colm Herron & Rockview Racing Syndicate, trained by John McConnell (Ireland).

Malina Girl (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mrs J. M. Russell, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Meetingofthewaters (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr P. Byrne, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Minella Crooner (IRE), eight years ole, owned by KTDA Racing/Nick Courtney/Cillian Moran, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Minella Indo (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Mr Barry Maloney, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Minella Trump (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr T. G. Leslie, trained by Donald McCain.

Mister Coffey (FR), nine years old, owned by Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Monbeg Genius (IRE), eight years old, owned by Barrowman Racing Limited, trained by Jonjo O’Neill.

Moroder (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mrs Ann Leftley, trained by Seamus Mullins.

Mr Incredible (IRE), eight years old, owned by Paul Byrne & J. Carthy, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Nassalam (FR), seven years old, owned by John and Yvonne Stone, trained by Gary Moore.

Noble Yeats (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Robert Waley-Cohen, trained by Emmet Mullins (Ireland).

Ontheropes (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Panda Boy (IRE), eight years old, owned by Old Pals Partnership, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Placenet (FR), seven years old, owned by Prof C Tisdall & G Thompson, trained by David Pipe.

Revels Hill (IRE), nine years old, owned by Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates-Revels Hil, trained by Harry Fry.

Riaan (IRE), seven years old, owned by Philip J. Reynolds, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Roi Mage (FR), 12 years old, owned by Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont, trained by Patrick Griffin (Ireland).

Royal Thief (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Run Wild Fred (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Sail Away (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr and Mrs J. D. Cotton, trained by Dan Skelton.

Salvador Ziggy (IRE), eight years old, owned by William Hurley/Mrs Aisling Hurley, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Samcro (IRE), 12 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Shakem Up’arry (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr Harry Redknapp, trained by Ben Pauling.

So des Flos (FR), seven years old, trained Mr David Lestrange, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Stattler (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr R. A. Bartlett, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

The Goffer (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr Allan Snow, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Threeunderthrufive (IRE), nine years old, owned by the McNeill Family, trained by Paul Nicholls.

Tommie Beau (IRE), nine years old, owned by Simon & Christine Prout, trained by Seamus Mullins.

Tullybeg (IRE), nine years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Vanillier (FR), nine years old, owned by Mrs H. M. Keaveney, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Where It All Began (IRE), eight years old, owned by Patrick & Scott Bryceland, and the McNeill Family, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

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History was made at Tattersalls Ireland yesterday (5 February) when Caldwell Potter achieved a world record selling price of €740,000 (£632,000); the most ever paid for a National Hunt horse at public auction.

The Grade One winner and leading Cheltenham Festival contender was part of the Tattersalls Ireland Andy and Gemma Brown Dispersal Sale. Andy and Gemma recently decided to sell their entire string of horses, who had all been in training with Gordon Elliott, as they want to leave the sport.

The high-profile and unprecedented sale offered 29 lots, all without reserves. The session turnover of €5,290,000 was a record-breaking aggregate for a one-day boutique National Hunt Sale. The average price for the session was €182,414 with four horses selling for over €500,000 and 10 for €200,000 or more.

Although Gordon Elliott was the determined underbidder of Caldwell Potter in an effort to ensure the horse returned to his Cullentra House Stables, Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock ultimately secured the impressive six-year-old on behalf of John Hales, Ged Mason, Sir Alex Ferguson and Peter Done, and the horse will go into training with Paul Nicholls.

“He is standout, a lovely horse – I loved him as a youngster as a store [unbroken three-year-old],” said Anthony. “I have watched his career closely – he has only been running over two miles yet he looks a stayer. He may potentially be a Gold Cup horse, long-term.

“I can’t say what plans Paul will have for the horse and we will see how it all works out, obviously there are the Cheltenham entries and Aintree would be a consideration, but he has been bought really as a chaser of the future.”

Gordon Elliott managed to secure Pied Piper for Windgates Stud on behalf of a new syndicate for €570,000, Staffordshire Knot for €510,000, Sa Fureur for €330,000 and Doctor Elvis for €260,000.

Gordon said: “I was disappointed to lose the big horse, but that is the way it is – hopefully he will be lucky for the new owners. Pied Piper is coming back and we have got all the ones we wanted apart from Caldwell Potter.”

Simon Kerins, CEO of Tattersalls Ireland, said: “First and foremost, I extend my sincere gratitude to Andy and Gemma Brown, as well as Joey Logan, for entrusting us with their dispersal sale, it has been an honour.

“I would like to express my appreciation to Gordon Elliott and his team – every single horse in this draft has been produced looking in superb order and, finally, the Tattersalls Ireland team for turning this sale around at such speed. It is testament to the team’s professionalism and hard work, proof of the flexibility that we have and ability to act as the industry requires.

“The sale has been a phenomenal success and the figures paid have been mind-blowing. We knew these horses would be in high demand given their proven level of form, and all the big players were here today.

“We look forward to watching today’s sales horses going on to achieve great things on the racecourse, and we hope to see the Browns return to the racing scene in the near future.”

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Sire Du Berlais delivered a shock result in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon (16 March), winning at odds of 33/1.

Running at his sixth Cheltenham Festival, the 11-year-old adds this victory to his previous two Pertemps Final victories at the Festival, in 2019 and 2020.

Ridden by Mark Walsh, Sire Du Berlais is owned by JP McManus and trained by Gordon Elliott.

“This horse loves it here and he travelled really well through the race – he stuck his head down and galloped to the line,” explained Mark, who has only recently returned to the saddle after fracturing a vertebra in his neck in a fall at the Dublin Racing Festival in early February. “It was a rush to get back in time to ride here, but it’s thanks to the help I had from the people around me.”

This was a first victory in this race for Gordon Elliott, who also trains the second-placed 9/4 favourite Teahupoo.

Teahupoo was third past the post, but after a stewards’ enquiry following the race, he was promoted to second. The stewards ruled that Dashel Drasher, who was second past the post, caused interference to Teahupoo at the final hurdle when drifting left.

“He travelled really well but I just couldn’t get there,” said Teahupoo’s jockey Davy Russell. “He’s only six and he’ll be back here again in the future.”

Dashel Drasher ran a blinder at 40/1 under Rex Dingle for trainer Jeremy Scott and owners Bridget Tully and Richard Lock, to finish third.

“I’m speechless,” said Jeremy, whose wife Camilla also bred Dashel Drasher. “What a brave, tough horse he’s been.”

Rex said: “He ran his heart out, but that’s Dashel Drasher for you.”

Flooring Porter, who won this race in 2021 and 2022, finished fourth after setting a strong pace throughout.

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Trainer Gordon Elliott was fined £1,000 in a “mystery” contamination case involving the horse who finished third in the 2022 Unibet Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Zanahiyr, who crossed the line four and a half lengths behind winner Honeysuckle, tested positive for 3-hydroxylidocaine – a metabolite of lidocaine – in a post-race urine sample at last year’s Festival. Mr Elliott opted to have the B-sample tested, which confirmed the finding.

Lidocaine is a prescription-only veterinary medicine, predominately used as a local anaesthetic. It is also available in over the counter products without a prescription for humans. Its use is not banned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), but it cannot be present in a horse’s system on raceday and has a 72-hour detection time.

The case was heard this afternoon (8 February) by the BHA’s independent disciplinary panel, made up of chairman David Fish KC, Lyn Griffiths and Ian Stark.

Mr Elliott accepted the breach and the disqualification, which meant the hearing hinged on culpability in deciding what penalty he should receive. But how the substance came to be in the horse’s system remains a mystery. The BHA claimed that the lack of training for Mr Elliott’s staff on how to prevent contamination meant that he could not be considered to have “low culpability”.

But Rory Mac Neice, representing Mr Elliott, disagreed. He argued that the BHA’s thorough investigation found no trace of lidocaine at Mr Elliott’s yard, and that the drug was not present in any medication taken by the 27 staff involved with the horses at the Festival. He added that the “BHA’s own investigation” found nothing to suggest the cause was linked to anything at Mr Elliott’s yard or his staff at Cheltenham. With that in mind, he argued that as the horse was most likely to have come into contact with lidocaine at Cheltenham stables, that the people the horse may have come into contact with there were outside of Mr Elliott’s control.

Charlotte Davison, who presented the BHA’s case, told the hearing that Mr Elliott “co-operated fully” with the investigation and promptly admitted the breach.

The hearing was told how as part of the BHA’s investigation, officials from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board made an unannounced visit to Mr Elliott’s yard. No traces of lidocaine were found in any of the medicines, records of past treatment, feed or supplements.

Mr Elliott also provided medication records of the 27 people involved in travelling with and caring for his horses at the Cheltenham Festival, and none of these substances contained lidocaine.

“This is what has been termed in the past a ‘mystery case’,” said Miss Davison.

She added that although Mr Elliott submits that he falls within the low culpability range, the BHA disagrees.

“Mr Elliott, the BHA submits, has failed to ensure that any real, let alone sufficient precautions, were in place on his yard – by that we obviously include travelling procedures when racing away – to prevent potential contamination from staff taking medication,” she said.

“During his interview, Mr Elliott described security at Cheltenham as ‘second to none’. And in any event, the rules of racing make it clear that it is Mr Elliott, and Mr Elliott alone, who is responsible for the security of his horses.

“The BHA submits that Mr Elliott has no proper procedures in place to prevent cross-contamination taking place by members of staff taking medication.”

Part of an interview with Mr Elliott was read out, where he was asked about any staff training around preventing cross-contamination. He said staff were regularly spoken to about not urinating in stables “and that sort of stuff”, and added he’ll “have to be tightening up on it”.

Miss Davison added that although this is Mr Elliott’s first breach of anti-doping rules in Britain, he has had a previous case, in Ireland in 2018, in dissimilar circumstances, so she said this case cannot be considered a first offence.

Mr Mac Neice disagreed, pointing out that British rules make no reference to other jurisdictions.

“It is clear from the investigating officer’s report that Mr Elliott and his staff have fully and wholeheartedly cooperated with the BHA,” he said, adding that they were “as anxious to find the cause” as the BHA.

“What emerges from the BHA’s comprehensive investigation is this: the BHA concluded in its own words that there was ‘little to no risk’ of contamination from the feed, supplements or additives stored or used at Mr Elliott’s yard, nor from any medication kept at the yard. In other words, the BHA’s investigation has to all intents and purposes discounted the possibility of any cross-contamination from those sources.”

The hearing heard the horse travelled from Mr Elliott’s yard in Ireland to Cheltenham on 12 March and was stabled there until returning home on 15 March.“There is a significant difference in terms of the horse’s security while in his stable at home at Mr Elliott’s yard and while stabled in any racecourse stables – that isn’t a criticism, it’s a fact,” said Mr Mac Neice.

“When at home, the horse is under the complete control of Mr Elliott in terms of who can come into contact with him. If you or I were to wander into Mr Elliott’s yard in Ireland one afternoon, we would be stopped, asked what we were doing and asked to leave.”

He added that Mr Elliott has no control who enters the racecourse stabling area, adding that this is the “unavoidable nature” of racecourse stabling and during the Festival, it is busy.

“Other horses and humans from unconnected yards and places could entirely innocently come into contact with, or be in very close proximity to, the horse,” he said.

“We say that is the overwhelmingly most likely cause of the adverse finding. Entirely unintentional, accidental, cross-contamination during the period the horse was stabled at the racecourse stables during last year’s Cheltenham Festival.”

Addressing the BHA’s submission that Mr Elliott did not have procedures to prevent contamination in place, Mr Mac Neice pointed out that there is no requirement to do so, and that the BHA also does not require anyone entering racecourse stables to provide lists of medication.

Summing up, Mr Fish said the panel was of the position that Mr Elliott’s culpability “falls into the low category”.

“Balancing the mitigating and aggravating features, the panel takes the view that a fine of £1,000 is appropriate,” he said.

Zanahiyr was disqualified, with prize money returned, and the placings will be amended.

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Carlisle’s jumps meeting on Sunday (30 October) produced a winner and a runner-up who caught the eye of H&H’s racing correspondent Marcus Armytage. Here is why he considers the duo, plus a potential Champion Hurdle contender, as horses to follow during the 2022/23 National Hunt season.

Iron Bridge

“This lightly raced six-year-old, owned by the late Trevor Hemmings and trained by Jonjo O’Neill, kept his unbeaten record and looked a chaser of great potential when winning the Gordon Richards Novices’ Chase at Carlisle on Sunday [30 October],” says Marcus of the son of Milan, who was bred by Sean Murphy and was sent out favourite for Sunday’s 2m4f race.

With Jonjo O’Neill Jr in the saddle, Iron Bridge made headway from three out and took the lead at the last fence to romp home by more than eight lengths at odds of 7/2.

Harper’s Brook

Finishing second to Iron Bridge in Carlisle’s novice chase was another eye-catching runner.

“Do not write off the horse in second, Ben Pauling’s Harper’s Brook,” says Marcus Armytage of the second of his horses to follow. “He led going very easily at the second last and jumped immaculately, but a combination of being in front for a while and tiredness in the mud meant he just faded from the last. Both horses can go far over fences this winter.”

Horses to follow: Pied Piper is “one to look forward to”

From Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting the previous week, Marcus was impressed by the winner of the Masterson Holdings Hurdle, Pied Piper.

“With no pace, it turned into a sprint from the foot of the hill and Pied Piper, who was bred by The Queen and sold to Gordon Elliott’s big patron Caldwell Construction for £225,000 a year ago, beat his adversary by 2¾ lengths and was probably value for a bit more because Jack Kennedy merely pushed him out,” says Marcus.

That performance puts the gelding in the mix for the Champion Hurdle and paid a very handsome compliment to the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban who beat him in the Triumph and went on to look very impressive at Punchestown. However with dual Champion hurdler Honeysuckle and last year’s star novice Constitution Hill at the fore of the two-mile hurdle division, he looks set to meet some imposing rivals.

“We’re going to dream for another while, but it’s a hot division and he’s going to have to keep on improving,” said trainer Gordon Elliott. “If you look at the way he jumps his hurdles, he’s going to be a chaser down the road, so he’s one to look forward to.”

The four-year-old son of New Approach’s next engagement is set to be in the Grade Two WKD Hurdle at Down Royal on Friday (4 November).

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The dual Grand National-winning Tiger Roll has finished second on what was his final ever race, as he now heads into well-earned retirement.

The 12-year-old, who has clocked up five previous Cheltenham Festival wins during his illustrious career, finished a close second, three-quarters of a length behind his stablemate Delta Work in the Glenfarclas Chase, a cross-country style contest, today (16 March).

“Tiger went down on his sword today,” said his jockey, Davy Russell. “I always knew Delta Work was going to be his biggest danger and he was breathing down my neck the whole way – unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be for us today.”

Tiger Roll, who has amassed over £1.35m in prize money during his remarkable nine-year career, is trained by Gordon Elliott and will retire to his owners’ Gigginstown Stud in Ireland, which is owned by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary.

“I would have loved to see Tiger go out with a win, but on ground that doesn’t suit him he went out on his shield. He’s a warrior,” said Michael. “The great thing is he has finished in one piece and has come back safe and sound. He will now have a very long and well-earned retirement.”

Gordon Elliott added: “It wasn’t Tiger Roll’s day. He ran his heart out. The ground went against him. He got the reaction he deserved [from the crowd] and we’re very proud of him. It will be a big loss for the yard but he’ll only be at Gigginstown, which is down the road, so they can go and see him whenever they want. ”

Keep up to date with all the latest news and updates from the Cheltenham Festival via the Horse & Hound website and read the full report in the 24 March issue of the magazine

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Trainer Gordon Elliott has been fined €15,000 (£12,916) and given a 12-month suspension, of which he is likely to serve six months, at a hearing into a photo of him sitting on a dead horse.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) referrals committee hearing, held today (Friday, 5 March), found Mr Elliott broke the rules of racing, by acting in a “manner which was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation” of the sport.

In a statement following the hearing, Mr Elliott said it “breaks his heart” to see the hurt he has caused to friends, family and supporters, that he accepts his sanction, will serve his time “then build back better”.

“It is not an easy job to sit on the panel, but I was dealt with fairly,” he said.

“I am in this situation by my own action and I am not going to dodge away from this. With my position in the sport I have great privileges and great responsibility. I did not live up to that responsibility. I am no longer the teenage boy who first rode a horse at Tony Martin’s 30 years ago. I am an adult with obligations and a position in a sport I have loved since I first saw horses race.”

He added he is “paying a very heavy price” for his error, but has “no complaints”.

“Horses are my life. I love them,” he said. “No one comes into racing for money — it is a hard way to make a living. We are here because we love horses. Anyone who has visited my stables at Cullentra will see the meticulous care with which we treat our horses. I was disrespectful to a dead horse, an animal that had been a loyal servant to me and was loved by my staff.

“I will carry the burden of my transgressions for the rest of my career. I will never again disrespect a horse living or dead and I will not tolerate it in others.

“Finally I want to thank my owners and my staff who despite being let down by me, have been unstinting in their support. I will vindicate their faith in me.”

Article continues below…

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What happened at the hearing?

The referrals committee considered evidence, provided by the IHRB and Mr Elliott, and the hearing report states that Mr Elliott “has accepted that his conduct was ‘disgraceful’, ‘horrific”’ and ‘wholly inappropriate and distasteful’.

“He also accepts that his conduct was indefensible and inimical to the reputation of horse racing and he recognises the damage he has caused to the reputation of horse racing,” the report adds.

The referrals committee, made up of Justice Raymond Groarke, Nick Wachman and the Hon Justice Siobhan Keegan, was of the view the photo “shows the most appalling bad taste” and has been a cause of “emotional distress to all those who appreciate the enjoyment that horses bring to their lives”.

The committee also found it “undoubtedly and most regrettably” brought the reputation and integrity of racing into disrepute, causing “serious damage” to the sport. The report added that “callously” posing for a photo was “entirely inappropriate” and Mr Elliott should have realised that photo may become public, “which shows and extraordinary lack of judgment on his part”.

“However, it is important to note that this incident is not one of cruelty to animals in the strict sense nor on the basis of the evidence we have received from the An Garda Siochana and from Sharon Power CEO and co-founder of Irish Horse Welfare is it an animal welfare issue,” adds the hearing.

“Also, it has not been suggested to the committee that the horses in Mr Elliott’s care are maintained and looked after other than to the highest standards.

“This is confirmed by the witnesses we have heard from including the veterinary evidence and in our view Mr Elliott’s success is testament to the care and attention he has provided to his horses.

“In the view of the committee there is also a sinister aspect to this case. The committee are satisfied that the publication of this photograph is part of a concerted attack upon Mr Elliott, the full circumstances of which are unknown.

“This has been canvassed not for the purpose of defence or absolution but in order to explain the publication at this time of a photograph which has existed since 2019.”

The committee took a number of factors into account when making a decision on its sanction. These included the outrage from both the racing and non-racing public, and the damage to the reputation of the Irish racing and thoroughbred industry.

“Mr Elliott has expressed what we believe to be a genuine remorse and accepts that he is unlikely to forget this episode in his life. We believe that he genuinely accepts that he was extraordinarily foolish to participate in the way he did,” adds the report.

“Mr Elliott fully cooperated with the investigated carried out by IHRB, he put his hands up at the earliest opportunity and fully accepted that his actions had offended many people; that what he did was wrong and unforgivable and indefensible.

“Whilst the incident in question was unforgivable, it was, nonetheless, an event which took place without deliberation or forethought over a time period of some seconds. There was a pointed absence of common sense.”

The committee also acknowledged the punishments Mr Elliott is already suffering from the incident, including reputational damage, departure of horses, loss of contracts, the impact on his health, and the fact there are many people working for him, or depended on his business, who are suffering.

The committee concluded that a suspension of Mr Elliott’s training licence was appropriate, taking into account both the evidence and mitigating factors.

The suspension is for 12 months from 9 March, with the last six months of this suspended, and he has been fined €15,000. Mr Elliott has also stated to the committee that he will not attend a race meeting or a point-to-point for six months.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the suspension will be reciprocated in Britain, which means horses will not be able to run at the Cheltenham Festival or Grand National Festival in his name. The BHA’s existing restriction that prevented Mr Elliott having runners in Britain pending the outcome of the IHRB investigation, will remain until the suspension takes effect on 9 March.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Irish trainer Gordon Elliott will not be allowed to race horses in Britain while Irish authorities investigate a photo of him sitting on a dead horse.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) issued the ban today (1 March) using “powers under its own rules” to refuse horses trained by Mr Elliott to race in Britain, pending consideration of the outcome of the Irish investigation.

The three-time Grand National-winning trainer was pictured sitting astride a dead horse on the gallops, holding a phone to his ear with a hand raised.

Mr Elliott admitted the photo was genuine, following speculation, and said he “cannot apologise enough” to the racing community, to anyone who has worked with and loves horses and to anyone offended by the image.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is investigating. Mr Elliott has said he continues to extend his “full cooperation” in the case.

“The action taken by the BHA recognises that Mr Elliott is licensed in Ireland, whose regulatory body the IHRB is carrying out its own investigation,” said the BHA statement.

“However, Mr Elliott has entered horses to race in Britain, from which point the British Rules of Racing apply to him.

“The decision to refuse to allow horses trained by Mr Elliott to run in Britain is therefore an interim decision which the BHA regards as proportionate in these circumstances.”

The BHA has said that owners of horses currently trained by Mr Elliott are permitted to transfer them to a different trainer and run them at a British meeting, providing they comply with the relevant rules.

A timescale on the IHRB investigation has not yet been given and the ban comes two weeks ahead of the start of the 2021 Cheltenham Festival (16-19 March), with just over a month until the Grand National Festival (8-10 April).

In an earlier statement, the BHA said it is “appalled” by the image.

“We expect all those in our sport to demonstrate respect for horses, on the racecourse, in the training yard, on the gallops, and wherever they have horses in their care,” it said.. “People who work in our industry believe their values – of caring for and respecting our horses – have been deeply undermined by this behaviour. On their behalf, and on behalf of all horse-lovers, we say loudly that British horseracing finds this totally unacceptable.”

Article continues below…

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Horse Racing Ireland this morning issued a statement that said it “unreservedly condemns disturbing photographs”.

“This image does not reflect the care, attention and respect that race horses receive, and does a disservice to the thousands of people who look after their horses on a daily basis. Horse Racing Ireland notes and supports the IHRB investigation into the circumstances around the photograph,” it added.

“From a disciplinary perspective, the matter is in process, so any further comment on the matter or the detail of the case at this time would not be appropriate.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Tiger Roll, the little horse with a big heart, raced into the history books today when becoming the first horse since the 1970s to claim back-to-back wins in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree (6 April).

The Gordon Elliott-trained National Hunt hero Tiger Roll returned to the hallowed Aintree turf, carrying 11st 5lb, and justified his 4/1 favouritism to beat 66/1 shot Magic Of Light by 2¾ lengths, under Davy Russell.

The nine-year-old son of Authorized, who was bred to be a Flat horse, emulated the great Red Rum, becoming the first horse since Ginger McCain’s stable star in 1973/74 to win the world’s greatest steeplechase twice.

It was a third Grand National win for Gordon Elliott, who also trained Silver Birch to win the 2007 renewal of the £1m race.

“Everyone loves him, he is the people’s horse and I cannot believe it,” said Gordon. “We work very hard for this the whole time and I’ve got a brilliant team behind me. Davy’s mother died last year — this was for her. My uncle Willie Elliott died this year, so this was for him too.”

Asked to sum up his brilliant horse — who now has four Cheltenham Festival wins and two Randox Health Grand National victories to his name — Gordon simply replied “Tiger”.

The superstar gelding is owned by Gigginstown House Stud, the racing operation of Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary.

“It’s just unbelievable,” he said. “I thought that he genuinely had no chance today carrying that weight, but it was a beautiful ride by Davy and a phenomenal training performance by Gordon. It’s brilliant he keeps bringing this horse back to Cheltenham and Aintree better than ever.”

The winning jockey added: “What can I say? Tiger Roll is just an unbelievable horse. I was running away for most of the race. It was marvellous — he gave a couple of stumbles, but I think the blinkers lit him up.”

The Robert Walford-trained Walk In The Mill was the first British-trained runner home, finishing fourth under James Best.

A total of 19 combinations — from the 40 who lined up — completed the 4m2½f marathon. The Willie Mullins-trained 33/1 shot, Up For Review, was fatally injured when brought down.

Top-ten placings in the 2019 Randox Health Grand National:

1 TIGER ROLL (trainer Gordon Elliott/jockey Davy Russell)

2 MAGIC OF LIGHT (Jessica Harrington/Paddy Kennedy)

3 RATHVINDEN (Willie Mullins/Ruby Walsh)

4 WALK IN THE MILL (Robert Walford/James Best)

5 ANIBALE FLY (Tony Martin/Mark Walsh)

6 ONE FOR ARTHUR (Lucinda Russell/Derek Fox)

7 REGAL ENCORE (Anthony Honeyball/Jonathan Burke)

8 SINGLEFARMPAYMENT (Tom George/Paddy Brennan)

9 OUTLANDER (Richard Spencer/James Bowen)

10 VALSEUR LIDO (Henry de Bromhead/Rachael Blackmore)

Don’t miss our full report from the Randox Health Grand National in the 11 April issue of Horse & Hound.

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Tiger Roll and leading Irish jockey Davy Russell triumphed in a nail-biting photo finish to today’s Randox Health Grand National (Saturday, 14 April).

The diminutive gelding and 10/1 shot, who won the Glenfarclas Cross-Country Chase at the Festival in March, gave his trainer Gordon Elliott a second victory in the big race — 11 years after Silver Birch’s win.

Owned by Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud — who won the 2016 Grand National with Rule The World — eight-year-old Tiger Roll looked to have the race well in-hand after the final fence, however, a late surge from the Willie Mullins-trained Pleasant Company resulted in a thrilling photo finish. The official winning distance was a head.

“I was nervous when they announced the photo finish — I thought I had it but you are so nervous watching it,” said the winning trainer. “I can’t believe it, to be honest. I’ve said I didn’t appreciate it first time round [with Silver Birch] — I’ll definitely appreciate it now. This is brilliant for the whole yard, for my family at home, everyone.

“Tiger Roll is unbelievable and I’m very lucky to be training for the O’Learys. It’s unbelievable for Davy Russell — his father Jerry is, I’m sure, very proud watching him at home.”

The victorious jockey, who is soon to be crowned Ireland’s champion jump jockey, was the oldest rider in the race aged 38 and was claiming his first ever Randox Health Grand National success — he described his win as “outstanding.”

“I’ve won this race a thousand times in my head, in my dreams as a child,” said Davy. “I am thinking about my kids at home knowing they can be part of this wonderful event. I’ve been coming for years and been satisfied leaving not winning, because it is such a marvellous event. It’s just amazing to have finally done it,” added the jockey who lost his mother Phyllis before the Cheltenham Festival.

“Mam passed recently and she was a marvellous woman. She got me out of bed at 6am to drive me around the country. She always knew it was worthwhile for her child.”

David Mullins had to settle for second with 25/1 shot Pleasant Company, two years after celebrating his National win aboard Rule The World.

“You hope and you pray but in my heart I knew I was beaten,” said David. “In a war of attrition like that, all you want is another stride. That’s racing and I’m very lucky that I won it two years ago.

“Pleasant Company probably did a little bit too much with me but I had to let him go after jumping The Chair — he just winged fences. But Davy went by me on a fresh horse at the second last and I wasn’t going to win that race to the Elbow. I thought I’d have one crack at him after the Elbow — I just wanted him to keep going to the winning post.”

Irish trainers filled the first four places, with the best British result coming courtesy of the Neil King-trained Milansbar under National debutant Bryony Frost.

There were a total of 12 completions from 38 starters and all horses and jockeys returned. The Tom George-trained Saint Are was reported to be in a “stable condition” having been assessed by vets after falling and had returned to the racecourse stables.

 The Grand National finishers:

1^st Tiger Roll (Davy Russell)

2^nd Pleasant Company (David Mullins)

3^rd Blessed The Wings (Jack Kennedy)

4^th Anibale Fly (Barry Geraghty)

5^th Milansbar (Bryony Frost)

6^th Road To Riches (Sean Flanagan)

7^th Gas Line Boy (Robert Dunne)

8^th Valseur Lido (Keith Donoghue)

9^th Vieux Lion Rouge (Tom Scudamore)

10^th Raz De Maree (Robbie Power)

11^th Seeyouatmidnight (Brian Hughes)

12^th Baie Des Iles (Katie Walsh)

Don’t miss the full report from the Randox Health Grand National — including analysis, pictures and comment — in the 19 April issue of Horse & Hound.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Irish won their sixth John Smith’s Grand National in nine years today when Silver Birch, a 33-1 shot ridden by Robbie Power, beat the Welsh trained McKelvey by three quarters of a length in the tightest of finishes to the world’s greatest race.

Slim Pickings, who led for much of the last circuit, was only a further length and a half away in third, ahead of 100-1 outsider Philson Run in fourth.

The winner is trained in County Meath by Gordon Elliott, 29, a former amateur rider who only started training a year ago and is yet to saddle a winner in his native Ireland. Like the winning jockey he also whips in to the Ward Union Hunt and has just 30 horses in his yard.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “I never dreamed of doing this, not in my first season.”

He and owner Brian Walsh bought the 10-year-old, a former Welsh National and Becher Chase winner, off champion trainer Paul Nicholls for just 20,000 gns ostensibly as a cross-country horse. He was runner-up in the cross-country at Cheltenham and, according to the trainer, ‘thrown in at the weights’ on what he had done in the past. The plan had been to go for the La Touche, the big cross-country at Punchestown in 10 days although those plans might now be revised.

Favourite backers did not get a great run for their money when Point Barrow, the most fancied of the Irish runners, came down at the first and another, Monkerhostin refused at the seventh fence. Joes Edge, the third co-favourite, pulled up at half way.

Power, 25, having his second ride in the race, said: “I had a lovely position down the rail and everything went right. I had a small bit of trouble when Bewley’s Berry fell at Becher’s in front of me on the second circuit but the horse sidestepped round him and I gave Paddy Brennan a clip.

“When he winged the last and pricked his ears I knew he’d have enough left in the tank to win the race.”

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s full report on all the action from the Grand National meeting at Aintree in next week’s magazine (19 April, ’07)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now