Eddie O'Leary: Tiger Roll would never have won a Grand National if the Cross Country was a handicap

Gordon Elliott: "We all know that Tiger Roll in the winter and Tiger Roll in the spring are two different horses and he has been beginning to spark back into life at home in the past few weeks."

Tiger Roll: won the Cross Country Chase before both of his Grand National triumphsCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Gigginstown House Stud's Eddie O'Leary believes the legendary Tiger Roll would have "disappeared" well before his Grand National exploits had the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival not been changed to a conditions race in 2016.

It was revealed in the Racing Post this week that the Cross Country will revert to being a handicap in 2025, while the Turners Novices' Chase will lose its Grade 1 status and also become a handicap.

O'Leary has voiced his opposition to changing the Cross Country and is adamant that Tiger Roll, one of the most popular jumps horses in recent times, would never have won at Aintree had the race been a handicap during his career.

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Conor FennellyReporter

Published on 19 September 2024inCheltenham Festival

Last updated 19:17, 19 September 2024

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