The pick of Gigginstown's big names from a team full of equine stars

No one knows how the post-Gigginstown landscape will look, but it can only be one of sweeping changes given the near incalculable impact Michael O'Leary's operation has had on the Irish industry.

One difference that is impossible to miss will be the gradual disappearance of the famous maroon and white silks that have been carried to no fewer than 91 Grade 1 victories and numerous other high-profile wins over the years.

Here we look back at some of the best horses to fly the Gigginstown flag.

Tiger Roll

He wasn't Gigginstown's first stellar performer, and probably won't be the last, but as the first horse to win back-to-back Grand Nationals since Red Rum he is unlikely to lose the title of the best horse Michael O'Leary owned.

His crowning moment at Aintree last month couldn't have been predicted when first hitting the big-time in the 2014 Triumph Hurdle, but he proved as big in versatility as he was small in stature, scoring again at the festival not once, not twice, but on three further occasions, collecting the four-miler and two cross-country chases during his illustrious career to date.

Don Cossack

O'Leary's second Gold Cup winner Don Cossack lays claim to the top-rated horse owned by Gigginstown, being responsible for the six highest RPRs posted by the team.

A six-time Grade 1 winner, he was a staying chaser through and through – yet blessed with a turn of foot that enabled him to put 26 lengths over Cue Card in the 2015 Melling Chase.

He was rewarded for that performance with an RPR of 181, a lofty figure matched next time out when winning the Punchestown Gold Cup, but saved the best until last when hitting 182 the following season, awarded for a four-and-a-half-length Cheltenham Gold Cup victory over Djakadam.

Special mention has to go to his contemporary Don Poli who, although not hitting quite the same heights, notched a Grade 1 hat-trick and always ran a solid race, placing in top-class company on a further six occasions.

War Of Attrition

An early highlight, War Of Attrition earned Gigginstown a place at the top table following his 2006 Gold Cup victory over Grand National winner Hedgehunter. He was no one-hit wonder however, having won the Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase at Punchestown previously and returning to the spring festival after Cheltenham to win the Guinness Gold Cup.

The mighty War Of Attrition clears the last en route to winning the 2006 Cheltenham Gold CupCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

War Of Attrition was not just talented, he was also tough as teak, continuing to do the operation proud until 2010, when he finished a gallant second to Planet Of Sound in his final bid for the Punchestown highlight.

Rule The World

Tiger Roll may have hit more headlines, but without Rule The World's 2016 Grand National victory, Gigginstown wouldn't have achieved the incredible feat of winning the Aintree spectacular in three of the last four years.

Away from Liverpool he may not boast the most sparkling of racing CVs, but you never forget your first National winner.

Apple's Jade

Despite her crown slipping a little at the end of last season, the queen of Gigginstown will always be remembered for her numerous demolition jobs in top-flight company. She wasn't unbeatable but, when on form, she was simply unstoppable – case in point, her last three wins came at margins of 16, 26 and 20 lengths.

Apple's Jade and Jack Kennedy on their way to victory in the Irish Champion HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann

Of her 14 wins, ten came at the highest level, including a Cheltenham Festival victory when beating Vroum Vroum Mag in the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle and a juvenile win over Triumph Hurdle hero Ivanovich Gorbatov by no fewer than 41 lengths.

Top Gigginstown-owned horses by RPR

182 Don Cossack
174 Balko Des Flos
174 Tiger Roll
173 War Of Attrition
170 First Lieutenant
170 Outlander
170 Road To Respect
170 Road To Riches
169 Sir Des Champs
169 Valseur Lido

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