Elliott warns Tiger Roll fans not to expect fireworks on Boyne Hurdle comeback

1.50 Navan
Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m5f | 5yo+ | RTV

After months of debate and anticipation Tiger Roll makes his eagerly anticipated return to the track in the Boyne Hurdle, but Gordon Elliott has warned that his Aintree star may not be roaring in full voice for his comeback at Navan.

The remarkable back-to-back Randox Health Grand National winner had the benefit of a cross-country run at Cheltenham in November when running out an emphatic 25-1 winner of the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle last year, but it has not been a smooth journey for Tiger Roll since returning to training this season.

It has been three months since the Gigginstown-owned ten-year-old underwent a procedure to remove a small chip in a joint on November 15, resting until December 6 before spending three weeks walking to progress to steady cantering.

The Meath trainer says the interrupted campaign means his stable star is certainly below the level of readiness he was operating at prior to last year's win in the same race.

"He's only been back cantering since January 1 and people shouldn't be expecting fireworks," explained Elliott.

Tiger Roll: expected to defend his Cross Country Chase crown at the Cheltenham Festival next month before heading to AintreeCredit: Patrick McCann

"He'll be ridden out the back and to run well and hopefully he can pass a few horses. If he does that and enjoys himself then it'll be job done."

The Boyne Hurdle is not Tiger Roll's ultimate goal, with Gigginstown House Stud racing manager Eddie O'Leary giving the green light for Tiger Roll's participation in this year's Grand National on Friday, provided "everything goes okay on his return to action at Navanand in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham next month".

Keith Donoghue is the man entrusted with the keys to jump racing's most valuable public property, but was also keen to stress that the four-time Cheltenham Festival winner will come on plenty from his comeback effort.

Tiger Roll's regular rider at Cullentra House said: "I'm looking forward to riding him but we know he's going to improve a lot for the run.

"He hasn't been away from home yet and I think he needs to get away to be lit up, so we're not expecting much on Sunday."

Magic Of Light (left) produced a cracking effort when second in last year's Randox Health Grand NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect to the race is the clash of last year's Grand National one-two, with in-form mare Magic Of Light bidding to extend her winning sequence after ready wins against her own sex at Newbury and Ascot.

Trainer Jessica Harrington said: "She seems in great form but we're hoping the ground will be loose for her rather than too heavy, although she handled it at Ascot."

The Eddie Harty-trained Kilfenora has been in rude health in recent months, recording back-to-back Grade B handicap wins at this track and Naas, and connections are keen to see where their improving eight-year-old stands on his first start in company as strong as this.

"He's worked his way up to a mark where he's earned a shot at this sort of race," said Harty.

Kilfenora takes a step up in class after two Grade B handicap winsCredit: Caroline Norris

"Whether he's good enough or not, time will tell, but we know he likes the track and we're looking forward to it."

Willie Mullins will bid to record his first win in the race since On His Own upstaged stablemate and 1-2 favourite Thousand Stars in 2013, saddling Penhill, Bachasson and Killultagh Vic.

What they say

Noel Meade, trainer of Brace Yourself
He fell over fences at Leopardstown last time so we thought it could do his confidence no harm to run him over hurdles to get him going again, rather than run him in another beginners' chase.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Cracking Smart
Things didn't go to plan for him over fences and we're just hoping that he can enjoy himself.

Paul Townend, rider of Penhill
He's had a couple of okay runs this season but doesn’t seem to be back to himself yet. This is a stiff test for him but he will handle the ground.

Navan optimistic about prospects despite weekend rainfall

Officials at Navan are optimistic that Storm Dennis won't interfere with the return of Tiger Roll on Sunday's Boyne Hurdle card, with the ground described as heavy after rainfall on Saturday.

Speaking at 4pm on Saturday, Navan general manager Peter Killeen said: "We're looking okay and I think we'd be unlucky to run into any bother ahead of tomorrow [Sunday].

"We've had 14mm of rain since this morning and there's a possibility of another 5mm to 10mm between now and racing."

He added: "The wind is a concern but Met Éireann have told us that the winds at Gowran on Saturday were stronger than what is forecast for us on Sunday.

"We're really excited – and naturally nervous that all goes to plan – so hopefully it turns out to be a great day."

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