McCain evokes memories of Red Rum as he leads tributes to 'very special horse'

Donald McCain knows what it takes to win a Grand National. His father, Ginger, is the joint most successful trainer in the history of the race having been responsible for three-time winner Red Rum, so his son is as well placed as anyone to evaluate what everyone at Aintree witnessed on Saturday and labelled it "a very special performance."

McCain had said in the build up the demands of the race had changed and the task Tiger Roll faced off a 9lb higher mark was not as stiff as that Red Rum overcame in 1973, 1974 and 1977. But no-one loves this place as much as McCain and he was as blown away as anyone.

"That's a very special performance," he said. "Full credit to Gordon Elliott, he's made a great job of him. He was never going to get beat from four out, was he?

Davy Russell celebrates victory on Tiger RollCredit: Grossick Racing

"It takes a very special horse to do it round here, and in a way they've come a similar route as a failed Flat horse. It's taken an awful long time for someone to do it [go back-to-back like Red Rum], let's see if they can do it again next year."

Leading owner JP McManus was in agreement and said: "It's great for the game. He's a great winner – and deserved to win. He had it won from a mile out."

Jonjo O'Neill, who never won the race as a jockey but saddled Don't Push It to win for McManus in 2010, added: "He's a machine, great to watch and good for the game."

BHA chief handicapper Martin Greenwood was impressed and suggested it could go down as the greatest performance in the history of the great race.

"That was amazing," he said. "It was possibly the best Grand National of all time. He's going to be rated in the low-170s. He was only pushed out towards the end, he tanked along for most of the race, he was still on the bridle at the Elbow. He's going to be Gold Cup-standard."

Jessica Harrington, trainer of runner-up Magic Of Light, said: "Tiger Roll is an amazing horse, and much better this year than last. He's the most gorgeous little horse, a joy to watch over these fences."

Ted Walsh, who saddled Papillon to win the race in 2000, added: "He's a magic horse. A unique little horse, very like Red Rum, who was bred for the Flat. He got a great ride and it was a great training performance. He's everything the National is about."

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