Gordon Elliott feels Tiger Roll will ‘light up’ when he sees the famous Aintree fences in next
weekend’s Grand National.

The likeable eight-year-old is heading to Merseyside following a third career win at the Cheltenham Festival.

He added the Cross Country Chase to his CV last month, completing a unique treble that also includes wins in the Triumph Hurdle and the four-miler.

That latest win came under Keith Donoghue but Elliott has confirmed that Davy Russell will ride at Aintree, with Donoghue unable to do the weight at 10st 12lb on Saturday week.

Having won his first ever Irish Grand National with General Principle on Easter Monday, Elliott will be heading to Merseyside looking to double up by adding his second career win in the world’s most iconic steeplechase.

He feels Tiger Roll will relish the challenge although he is watching the weather somewhat nervously.

“Tiger Roll is in very good form and I couldn’t be happier with him,” Elliott reported.

“I think he’ll love the National. The fences will light him up. It’s the Grand National, and you need a lot of luck and for everything to go right, but I think the race will suit him.

“The one worry would be the weather and what sort of ground they get. The better the ground at Aintree the better his chance, but there’s still nearly two weeks until the race and with a dry week the ground should start to dry.”

Tiger Roll is 13.00 to win the Grand National while Total Recall is favourite at 11.00 for Elliott’s great rival Willie Mullins.