Trainer Gordon Elliott and owners Gigginstown House Stud got on the scoresheet for this year’s Festival when Tiger Roll ran out an impressive winner of the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
The 10/1 shot was always travelling sweetly under Davy Russell and pounced at the last hurdle to take the lead and always had runner-up Kentucky Hyden at bay as the pair battled up the hill.
Michael O’Leary, whose Gigginstown House Stud owns the horse, afforded a smile after the race and explained that a winner at the Cheltenham Festival was what the game was all about.
“It’s wonderful and I am delighted for Gordon Elliott, who is a brilliant trainer,” said O’Leary.
“It has been a tough week but it is lovely to get one on the board, even if we have to wait until the fourth day.
“This meeting is a big deal for everybody in Ireland. This is Cheltenham, this is the home of jump racing and every horse we buy, every horse we run in Ireland all winter long – everybody wants to come to Cheltenham.
“We didn’t buy him as a juvenile hurdler as we don’t tend to buy hurdlers as a rule but he seems to have come to hand quite early so it made sense to head here. We have a winner now which means I can relax a little bit.”
The winning trainer added: “It was a dream come true – we have been hitting the cross bar all week. I feel sorry for Bryan Cooper but I am delighted for Davy (Russell) because he is always very lucky when he rides for me. I am very lucky I am training for amazing owners.
“I only got this horse by accident at the Brightwells sale here in November – there was another horse at the sales I wanted the day he was bought and there was a big row on the night. They told me I could have two other horses instead. These owners are brilliant. Michael, Eddie, and the whole outfit are very good to me.
“I was a bit nervous early because he was a bit keen. After Causes Of Causes making a mistake at the last yesterday, I was worried that he might make a mistake again but he won, so I am delighted. I thought Cause Of Causes and Bayan were by best chances so I was disappointed that neither of those won.
“He’ll probably go to Punchestown now. I will have a chat with Michael and Eddie (O’Leary) and see.”
“This was only the horse’s third start over hurdles and I think there is still a bit more improvement in him.”
