Vets save life of Tiger Roll's dam after foaling drama

Swift veterinary attention saved the life of one of Ireland's most cherished matriarchs – dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll's dam – after she suffered complications when delivering her latest foal last month.

Swiss Roll, a 19-year-old daughter of Entrepreneur owned by County Tipperary breeder Jerry O'Brien, a former vet for Coolmore, produced a colt foal by Teofilo but needed emergency surgery after giving birth to the new arrival, who is a brother to this season's Henry II Stakes third Austrian School and a half-brother to Group 2-winning stayer Ahzeemah as well as to the redoubtable Tiger Roll.

The Teofilo colt foal, inbred 3x3 to Sadler's Wells as are Austrian School and Tiger Roll, is reported to be strong, very correct with good limbs and is now happily bonded with a foster mare while a fully recovered Swiss Roll awaits her next cover.

Jerry O'Brien collects an ITBA award for breeding the redoubtable Tiger RollCredit: Caroline Norris

The ever eloquent O'Brien gave his account of the dramatic birth by saying: “Swiss Roll, having foaled on May 9, subsequently suffered a major setback and hence the colt had to be weaned. But for the decisive action taken by ace vet Eamonn McGuinness and the adroit skills of surgeon extraordinaire Tom O'Brien – no relation – who successfully operated, she would have died.

“Presently she has completely recovered and is very much looking forward to a rendezvous with Doyen in the next week or so. Some might say the DNA is getting a bit tight, as the foal will be bred 2x3 to Sadler's Wells, but it was once said that the most important thing a Rothschild did in their life was marry another Rothschild. And they haven't done too badly!

“In the mean time, Tiger mark two can't believe his luck. It's drinks all round as the milk bar never closes and every hour is happy hour.”

Doyen, a well bred son of Sadler's Wells, landed the Hardwicke Stakes in course record time and ran out a three-length winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in a golden summer in 2004.

Having originally covered Flat mares at Dalham Hall Stud and Gestut Auenquelle, he has stood in a dual-purpose role at Sunnyhill Stud in 2012. His early jumps progeny include Battleoverdoyen, who represents the Tiger Roll team of Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud and claimed the Grade 1 Lawlor's of Naas Novice Hurdle last term.

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