Tiger Roll has been allotted 11st 9lb as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of the immortal Red Rum (successful in 1973, 1974 and 1977) and become the second triple winner of the Randox Grand National.

Weights for the world’s greatest steeplechase are released today ahead of the Aintree showpiece, which is to be staged for the 173rd time on Saturday 10th April. 

Successful in 2018 and 2019, 11-year-old Tiger Roll was denied the chance to attempt the treble in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has made two appearances so far this season. He is set to run next in the Grade Two Boyne Hurdle at Navan this Sunday (February 21st) a race he won en route to his second Grand National success in 2019.

Tiger Roll’s trainer Gordon Elliott is responsible for 16 entries in this year’s Grand National, the most of any handler. If successful again this year he would join Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain as the most successful trainer in the race’s history.

Elliott, who is based in County Meath, said: “Tiger Roll is in good form and we are very happy with him.

“We are hoping to run him in the Boyne Hurdle on Sunday all being well, if the ground isn’t too soft. He came home and he was lame after the race at Cheltenham the last day. We injected his stifles behind and thankfully he is back sound and moving very well and we are very happy with him at the moment.

“I am looking forward to the Cross Country race at Cheltenham then hopefully on to the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree all being well. I am training him for the race (Grand National) and I will be keen to run him. Obviously Michael (O’Leary) owns him and pays the bills so he will make the final decision. It will be disappointing for everyone if he doesn’t turn up but as you know he makes the decisions. He is seven pounds higher than what he won off before but it is probably fair enough. I sort of expected that really.

“From the bottom of my heart it is hard to see him having much less (weight) with him being a such specialist, but we have what we have now so we have got to take it and hopefully he can do us proud. Michael has to make the decision but we will see what happens.

“I would say I would hopefully run Presenting Percy. He has had a little setback but hopefully I will have him back for the National. Tiger Roll, The Storyteller and Alpha Des Obeaux will all hopefully go.

“I thought one down the bottom there with 10st 6lb could be very well handicapped is a horse called Milan Native. He has had a wind operation since his last run and he is one I am looking forward to for the Randox Grand National this year.”

 

The most successful trainers of all-time in the Randox Grand National

4 winners

Ginger McCain - 1973, 1974, 1977 & 2004

Fred Rimell – 1956, 1961, 1970 & 1976

 

3 winners

William Holman - 1856, 1858 & 1860

William Moore - 1894, 1896 & 1899

Aubrey Hastings - 1906, 1915 & 1924

Tom Coulthwaite - 1907, 1910 &1931

Vincent O’Brien - 1953, 1954 & 1955

Neville Crump - 1948, 1952 & 1960

Tim Forster - 1972, 1980 & 1985

Gordon Elliott – 2007, 2018 & 2019

 

 

Tiger Roll is 16-1 joint-favourite for the Randox Health Grand National with Betway, official betting partner of the Randox Grand National Festival. The other 16-1 joint-favourites are Kimberlite Candy, twice runner-up in the Becher Handicap Chase over the Grand National fences at Aintree, and Cloth Cap, impressive when landing the Grade Three Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury in November.

Cloth Cap is trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by Trevor Hemmings, the joint most successful owner in the history of the Grand National with three victories – Hedgehunter (2005), Ballabriggs (2011) and Many Clouds (2015). In addition to Cloth Cap, Hemmings could also be represented by Lake View Lad, winner of the Grade Two Many Clouds Chase over the Mildmay Course at Aintree in December, and Deise Aba, who returned to form when landing a handicap chase at Sandown Park on February 6th.

 

Isle of Man-based Hemmings said: “The Grand National is the ultimate in my life as far I am concerned. I built a holiday village next to where Ginger McCain used to bring Red Rum, the beach at Ainsdale. As a result of that and working with Fred Pontin (owner of 1971 Grand National winner Specify) I had to work the weekend Fred won with the Grand National and that also captured me. I had to finish the holiday village at Ainsdale and he went off for the weekend and won the Grand National with Specify.

“If you look at the Blue Riband, which is the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is probably the ultimate in the UK and you look at the Grand National which is worldwide - it’s the Wembley of all of racing. That’s why I cherish Liverpool and that wonderful few days you can have in Grand National week.

“My most precious moment is winning the Grand National (with Hedgehunter in 2005) in what I call the old stadium – the previous winner’s enclosure to what is used today. The history of all that had happened before was still in that winner’s enclosure. That area where the horses were brought in to. I was there with Willie and Jackie Mullins, his father Paddy and mother Maureen and his son Patrick, who we know now as a grown mature jockey, but was a kid back then. I will remember the passion of everybody.

“Of my three entries this year Cloth Cap would look to have the best chance. We have two that should be in the race as they are number 13 and number 46 I think in the list. It usually goes down to about 80 to get a run and Deise Aba is 71. All being well, they should get in. I would say Cloth Cap is fair weather as likes to leave a footprint, Lake View Lad is heavy weather and Deise Aba is any sort of weather.

“Catherine who looks after my business came up with the name Cloth Cap. Everybody knows me in this cloth cap although I have had to change it as my last one had a hole in it!

“I was vaccinated at the end of last month and am due another a week from now. It is an easy thing to do and everybody should it – nobody wants to miss out on the chance of living longer.”

Jonjo O’Neill, trainer of Cloth Cap, added: “I am very happy with Cloth Cap. The important thing for him is the ground. He needs good ground so I hope they run out of water there!

“We were planning this last year really but it didn’t happen. Unfortunately he just didn’t perform the way that we had hoped he would, but this year he came back in great form.

“He’s a stronger horse all over. His run at Cheltenham was very nice and we were very happy with that. We didn’t think we’d get in the Ladbrokes Trophy really as we thought we would get balloted out but he just crept in at the bottom as luck would have it and now we are here.

“He jumps and he stays well so it’s the obvious race to go for - 10st 5lbs is a real nice weight and Trevor loves the National. We are hoping to get a prep race into him either at Kempton or Doncaster.”

Trevor Hemmings went on to pay tribute to Rose Paterson, the late Chairman of Aintree who died in 2020.

He continued: “Rose Paterson was such a lovely person and it is hard to realise that she is no longer part of Aintree in today’s world.

“She will always be part of Aintree as far as I am concerned and for many other people will feel the same. She was so nice, so level headed and never missed out anybody, whether they be old or young, rich or poor. She was a super lady and one we will miss very much. I am so sorry for the Paterson family.”

The most successful owners of all-time in the Randox Grand National - 3 winners each

James Machell (Disturbance 1873, Reugny 1874 and Regal 1876)

Sir Charles Assheton-Smith, previously Charles Duff, (Cloister 1893, Jerry M 1912 and Covertcoat 1913)

Noel Le Mare (Red Rum 1973, 1974 and 1977)

Trevor Hemmings (Hedgehunter 2005, Ballabriggs 2011 and Many Clouds 2015)

Gigginstown House Stud (Rule The World 2016 and Tiger Roll 2018 & 2019)

 

 

Randox Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

Aintree, 5.15pm, Saturday, 10 April, 2021. 4m 2f 74yds. For seven-year-olds and upwards, which, prior to March 23rd, have Started in a steeple chase during the current season, and have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a steeple chase with an official distance description of 'two miles seven and a half furlongs' or more, at any time during the horse's career. Horses must be also allotted a rating of 125 or more by the BHA Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 14th. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at closing may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including 14 February would merit a minimum rating of 125. To qualify, horses must have run at least three times in Steeple Chases run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Racing Authority up to and including February 14th. At the Handicapper's discretion, such hhorses may be allotted a rating. Entries closed 2 February (106 entries), weights revealed 16 February, first scratchings deadline 2 March, second scratchings deadline 23 March, five-day confirmation stage 5 April, final declaration stage 8 April. Lowest weight 10st; highest weighy 11st 10lb. No penalties after publication of the weights. To be ridden by Jockeys or Amateur Riders who, before 8 April, 2021, have ridden not less than 15 winners in steeple chases or hurdle races under the Rules of Racing and/or the Rules of the Irish National Hunt Steeple Chase Committee and ridden not less than 10 of these winners in steeple chases.

1 Bristol de Mai (FR) 10 11 10 167 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nigel Twiston-Davies

2 Easysland (FR) 7 11 10 167 Mr John P. McManus D. Cottin FR

3 Santini (GB) 9 11 10 167 Mr & Mrs R. Kelvin-Hughes Nicky Henderson

4 Delta Work (FR) 8 11 9 166 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

5 Presenting Percy (GB) 10 11 9 166 Philip J. Reynolds Gordon Elliott IRE

6 Tiger Roll (IRE) 11 11 9 166 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

7 The Storyteller (IRE) 10 11 8 165 Mrs Pat Sloan Gordon Elliott IRE

8 Chris's Dream (IRE) 9 11 7 164 Robcour Henry de Bromhead IRE

9 Battleoverdoyen (IRE) 8 11 5 162 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

10 Yala Enki (FR) 11 11 3 160 Hills of Ledbury Ltd Paul Nicholls

 

11 Ballyoptic (IRE) 11 11 1 158 Mills & Mason Partnership Nigel Twiston-Davies

12 Definitly Red (IRE) 12 11 1 158 Phil & Julie Martin Brian Ellison

13 Lake View Lad (IRE) 11 11 0 157 Mr Trevor Hemmings N. W. Alexander

14 Ajas (FR) 7 10 13 156 Mr Ulf Sjoberg D. Cottin FR

15 Burrows Saint (FR) 8 10 13 156 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

16 Magic of Light (IRE) 10 10 13 156 Ann & Alan Potts Limited Mrs J. Harrington IRE

17 Acapella Bourgeois (FR) 11 10 12 155 Slaneyville Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE

18 Anibale Fly (FR) 11 10 12 155 Mr John P. McManus A. J. Martin IRE

19 Aso (FR) 11 10 12 155 The Bellamy Partnership Venetia Williams

20 Mister Malarky (GB) 8 10 12 155 Wendy & Malcolm Hezel Colin Tizzard

 

21 Talkischeap (IRE) 9 10 12 155 Mr Charles Dingwall Alan King

22 Tout Est Permis (FR) 8 10 12 155 Gigginstown House Stud Noel Meade

23 Bellshill (IRE) 11 10 10 153 D & D Armstrong Ltd & Mr L Westwood Sandy Thomson

24 Beware The Bear (IRE) 11 10 10 153 Mr G. B. Barlow Nicky Henderson

25 Kimberlite Candy (IRE) 9 10 10 153 Mr John P. McManus Tom Lacey

26 Pym (IRE) 8 10 10 153 Mrs Patricia Pugh Nicky Henderson

27 Alpha des Obeaux (FR) 11 10 9 152 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

28 Al Roc (FR) 10 10 9 152 Comedy Club Partnership Dr Richard Newland

29 Any Second Now (IRE) 9 10 9 152 Mr John P. McManus T. M. Walsh IRE

30 Balko des Flos (FR) 10 10 9 152 Gigginstown House Stud Henry de Bromhead IRE

 

31 Brahma Bull (IRE) 10 10 8 151 Mrs S. Ricci W. P. Mullins IRE

32 Champagne Classic (IRE) 10 10 8 151 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

33 Ok Corral (IRE) 11 10 8 151 Mr John P. McManus Nicky Henderson

34 Articulum (IRE) 11 10 7 150 Martin McDonagh/Paul G Murphy/M J Nixon Terence O'Brien IRE

35 Jett (IRE) 10 10 7 150 Mr Robert Waley-Cohen Mrs J. Harrington IRE

36 Shattered Love (IRE) 10 10 7 150 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

37 Takingrisks (IRE) 12 10 7 150 Mr Frank Bird Nicky Richards

38 The Jam Man (IRE) 8 10 7 150 Ronan M. P. McNally Ronan M. P. McNally IRE

39 Class Conti (FR) 9 10 6 149 Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede W. P. Mullins IRE

40 Discorama (FR) 8 10 6 149 Thomas Friel/Andrew Gemmell Paul Nolan IRE

 

41 Lord du Mesnil (FR) 8 10 6 149 Mr Paul Porter & Mike & Mandy Smith Richard Hobson

42 Milan Native (IRE) 8 10 6 149 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

43 Potters Corner (IRE) 11 10 6 149 All Stars Sports Racing & J Davies Christian Williams

44 The Conditional (IRE) 9 10 6 149 Mr P. J. Cave David Bridgwater

45 Cabaret Queen (GB) 9 10 5 148 Syndicates.Racing W. P. Mullins IRE

46 Cloth Cap (IRE) 9 10 5 148 Mr Trevor Hemmings Jonjo O'Neill

47 Minellacelebration (IRE) 11 10 5 148 Mr Nick Elliott Katy Price00

48 Robin des Foret (IRE) 11 10 5 148 Byerley Racing Syndicate W. P. Mullins IRE

49 Vieux Lion Rouge (FR) 12 10 5 148 Prof Caroline Tisdall & Mr John Gent David Pipe

50 Canelo (IRE) 8 10 4 147 Mr John P. McManus Alan King

 

51 Give Me A Copper (IRE) 11 10 4 147 Done, Ferguson, Mason, Nicholls & Wood Paul Nicholls

52 Glen Forsa (IRE) 9 10 4 147 Mr T. P. Radford Mick Channon

53 The Long Mile (GB) 7 10 4 147 Mr John P. McManus J.P.Dempsey IRE

54 Yorkhill (IRE) 11 10 4 147 D & D Armstrong Ltd & Mr L Westwood Sandy Thomson

55 Agusta Gold (IRE) 8 10 3 146 K.Leavy/F.W.Healy/L.Cribbin/Ms Mullins Ms Margaret Mullins IRE

56 Farclas (FR) 7 10 3 146 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

57 Hogan's Height (IRE) 10 10 3 146 Foxtrot Racing: Hogan's Height Jamie Snowden

58 Minella Times (IRE) 8 10 3 146 Mr John P. McManus Henry de Bromhead IRE

59 Sub Lieutenant (IRE) 12 10 3 146 Ms G. Howell Georgie Howell

60 Ami Desbois (FR) 11 10 2 145 The Reserved Judgment Partnership Graeme McPherson

 

61 Blaklion (GB) 12 10 2 145 Darren & Annaley Yates Dan Skelton

62 Double Shuffle (IRE) 11 10 2 145 Crossed Fingers Partnership Tom George

63 Gold Present (IRE) 11 10 2 145 Mr and Mrs J. D. Cotton Nicky Henderson

64 Keeper Hill (IRE) 10 10 2 145 McNeill Family Warren Greatrex

65 Moyhenna (IRE) 9 10 2 145 Mr R. V. Hennelly Denis G. Hogan B IRE

66 Death Duty (IRE) 10 10 1 144 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

67 Secret Reprieve (IRE) 7 10 1 144 Mr & Mrs William Rucker Evan Williams

68 Some Neck (FR) 10 10 1 144 Some Neck Partnership John McConnell IRE

69 Rocky's Treasure (IRE) 10 10 0 143 Mr J. Perriss Kim Bailey

70 Cap du Nord (FR) 8 9 13 142 The Can't Say No Partnership Christian Williams

 

71 Deise Aba (IRE) 8 9 13 142 Mr Trevor Hemmings Philip Hobbs

72 Fagan (GB) 11 9 13 142 Mr Ben Brackenbury Alex Hales

73 Golan Fortune (IRE) 9 9 13 142 P Middleton, M Lowther Phil Middleton

74 Jerrysback (IRE) 9 9 13 142 Mr John P. McManus Philip Hobbs

75 Kauto Riko (FR) 10 9 13 142 Mr and Mrs J.Dale and Partners Tom Gretton

76 Saturnas (FR) 10 9 13 142 Mr Nick Peacock W. P. Mullins IRE

77 Storm Control (IRE) 8 9 13 142 Mr Will Roseff Kerry Lee

78 Valtor (FR) 12 9 13 142 Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede Nicky Henderson

79 Another Venture (IRE) 10 9 11 140 Racing For Maggie's Partnership Kim Bailey

80 Captain Drake (IRE) 8 9 11 140 Gary Stevens and Brian and Sandy Lambert Harry Fry

 

81 Crievehill (IRE) 9 9 11 140 Highclere T'Bred Racing- Crievehill Nigel Twiston-Davies

82 Run Wild Fred (IRE) 7 9 11 140 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

83 The Hollow Ginge (IRE) 8 9 11 140 The Ginge Army Nigel Twiston-Davies

84 Fitzhenry (IRE) 9 9 10 139 Mr John P. McManus Paul Nolan IRE

85 Flying Angel (IRE) 10 9 10 139 Mr R. J. Rexton Nigel Twiston-Davies

86 Le Breuil (FR) 9 9 10 139 Mrs Emma Palmer Ben Pauling

87 Prime Venture (IRE) 10 9 10 139 Mrs Janet Davies Evan Williams

88 Achille (FR) 11 9 9 138 Mrs Vida Bingham Venetia Williams

89 A Toi Phil (FR) 11 9 9 138 Teme Valley 2 Gary Moore

90 Dounikos (FR) 10 9 9 138 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

 

91 Hold The Note (IRE) 7 9 9 138 Mr T. P. Radford Mick Channon

92 Plan of Attack (IRE) 8 9 9 138 Mr A. Halsall Henry de Bromhead IRE

93 Roaring Bull (IRE) 8 9 9 138 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

94 Musical Slave (IRE) 8 9 8 137 Mr John P. McManus Philip Hobbs

95 Soupy Soups (IRE) 10 9 8 137 Equi ex Incertis Partners Neil Mulholland

96 Treacysenniscorthy (IRE) 9 9 8 137 Paula Widger Robert Widger IRE

97 Beau Bay (FR) 10 9 7 136 Mr Peter Green & Dr RDP Newland Dr Richard Newland

98 Hear No Evil (IRE) 9 9 7 136 Mr Patrick Joseph McCartan Noel C. Kelly IRE

99 Shantou Flyer (IRE) 11 9 7 136 David Maxwell Racing Limited Paul Nicholls

100 Monbeg Notorious (IRE) 10 9 6 135 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

 

101 Aforementioned (FR) 8 9 5 134 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE

102 Saint Xavier (FR) 9 9 5 134 Mr D. W. Fox Richard Hobson

103 Fingerontheswitch (IRE) 11 9 3 132 Cahill, Atwell & Crofts Neil Mulholland

104 One Style (FR) 11 9 3 132 The Four Bosses Venetia Williams

105 Bellow Mome (FR) 10 9 2 131 Mrs Audrey Turley W. P. Mullins IRE

 

105 entries remain

43 Irish-trained

2 French-trained

 

Not qualified: St Barts (IRE)

 

 

Randox Grand National, Betway odds:

16-1 Kimberlite Candy, Cloth Cap, Tiger Roll

 

20-1 Burrows Saint, Any Second Now

 

25-1 Easysland, Presenting Percy, Magic of Light, Potters Corner, The Conditional, Secret Reprieve,

 

28-1 Ajas

 

33-1 Santini, The Storyteller, Chris's Dream, Yala Enki, Lake View Lad, Anibale Fly, Champagne Classic

 

40-1 Bristol de Mai, Definitly Red, Al Roc, Balko des Flos, Ok Corral, Jett, The Jam Man, Class Conti, Discorama, Milan Native, Vieux Lion Rouge, Canelo, Give Me A Copper, The Long Mile, Farclas, Minella Times, Jerrysback, Run Wild Fred, Le Breuil, Shantou Flyer

 

50-1 Acapella Bourgeois, Mister Malarky, Bellshill, Brahma Bull, Articulum, Shattered Love, Lord du Mesnil, Cabaret Queen, Robin des Foret, Glen Forsa, Agusta Gold, Hogan's Height, Double Shuffle, Gold Present, Death Duty, Cap du Nord, Deise Aba, Saturnas, Prime Venture, Achille, A Toi Phil, Hold The Note, Plan of Attack, Roaring Bull, Musical Slave

 

66-1 Ballyoptic, Aso, Talkischeap, Tout Est Permis, Beware The Bear, Pym, Alpha des Obeaux, Takingrisks, Minellacelebration, Blaklion, Keeper Hill, Moyhenna, Some Neck, Fagan, Golan Fortune, Valtor, Another Venture, Captain Drake, The Hollow Ginge, Fitzhenry, Flying Angel, Dounikos, Soupy Soups, Treacysenniscorthy, Beau Bay, Aforementioned, Fingerontheswitch, One Style, Bellow Mome

 

100-1 Sub Lieutenant, Ami Desbois, Rocky's Treasure, Kauto Riko Crievehill, Hear No Evil, Monbeg Notorious, Saint Xavier

 

Betway PR Manager, Chad Yeomans, said: “Six of the last 10 winners of the Grand National have carried 11 stone or less, and given marks of 153 and 148 respectively – and as a result, carrying less than 11 stone – both Kimberlite Candy and Cloth Cap head our market as 16-1 joint-favourites, for what looks like the most open renewal in years.

“Tiger Roll’s handicap mark of 166 could raise doubts over his participation if his owners’ words are true, but if he were to be successful at Cheltenham next month, could they resist one final crack at the ‘World’s Greatest Steeplechase’? He’s been popular with the Betway punters and if he does run, it’d be surprising if he doesn’t go off favourite on the day.”