Grand National legend Tiger Roll given surprise Aintree option

Tiger Roll could be a surprise contender for the Betway Bowl at Aintree next month, Gigginstown House Stud's Eddie O'Leary said on Thursday.

The 11-year-old bounced back to form to win his third Glenfarclas Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday, finishing 18 lengths clear of Easysland.

Connections had already ruled out a bid for a third Grand National after disagreeing with his weight for the race, but are instead now considering a tilt at the Grade 1 Betway Bowl on April 8.

"There is every chance he'll run in the Betway Bowl," O'Leary said on Thursday. "Tiger told us yesterday he doesn't want to be retired. He screamed that out loud and clear.

"We don't think he's a 166-rated horse. We really don't, and the only way to prove that is by running him in a race like the Betway Bowl. If he wins it, great. That means we've got him completely wrong and he should have been running in the Gold Cup for the last four years."

Tiger Roll had gone five starts without a win before Cheltenham, but bounced back in style to record his fifth victory at the festival, having also won the Triumph Hurdle and the National Hunt Chase.

If you want more on Tiger Roll . . .

'What a bloody legend' – Tiger Roll joins elite club with fifth festival win

Tiger Roll: from the Triumph Hurdle to a Cross Country hat-trick

Tiger Roll may skip historic Grand National bid and take in Irish version

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