The ruling body ‘runs the risk of being chased into a corner from which it cannot escape,’ says the latest Chasers & Hurdlers
The extremely welcome announcement last month that dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll is on target to try and win an unprecedented third straight win in the world’s most famous race next April ensures racing will potentially have its biggest single day in living memory, one that may stand comparison with the spring afternoon over 40 years ago when Red Rum completed his hat-trick of victories.
The unequivocal statement from the horse’s trainer, Gordon Elliott, put paid to concerns that the horse would duck the challenge, which had been prompted by comments from Tiger Roll’s owner Michael O’Leary and his brother Eddie, the Gigginstown Stud racing manager. The O’Learys warned the National hero may not be risked and, further, that he may not line up unless shown leniency by the race’s weights compiler, who can, for this one race in the jumps season, adjust what the top-weighted runners have to carry in relation to others in the 40-strong field.
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Bath 1.40 Hieronymous 2.10 Jeanie B 2.45 Stag Horn 3.20 Diamond Hill 3.50 Quel Destin 4.25 Lady Alavesa 4.55 Manucci
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