'There will never be another Tiger Roll' - fans hail a jump racing legend

Tiger Roll was hailed a legend and a hero by his legion of fans after finishing an honourable second on his last run in the Glenfarclas Chase.

Even with the heavy ground going against the five-time Cheltenham Festival winner, Tiger Roll showed all the qualities that have made him a household name over the past nine years, travelling with verve throughout before fighting tenaciously but ultimately in vain to repel stablemate Delta Work in the final strides.

Among those raising a glass to Tiger Roll from afar was Nigel Hawke, the man who taught the horse the basics early in his career before he was sold to Gigginstown House Stud after making a winning debut at Market Rasen in 2013.

Drama and boos as Tiger Roll denied dream end to career by stablemate Delta Work

"That performance sums up the horse," said Hawke. "I'm very proud to have a small part in a horse like him, he's been so good for the sport.

"I think the most important thing with Tiger Roll is what he's done for jump racing. He's a character and always has been. He jumped two fences today and you knew you were in business. You knew straight away he wanted to be there today and I find it quite incredible how he can turn just like that."

Hawke added: "I've said it many times that although I've won a Grand National, I've had more joy being associated with Tiger Roll than actually winning the National. I feel so honoured to have been associated with a horse like that. I found him, taught him the job and I feel very proud of that fact."

Although he was twice a Grand National winner, Tiger Roll's spiritual home was undoubtedly Cheltenham in March, where he won a Triumph Hurdle, a National Hunt Chase and three Cross Country Chases.

ITV Racing pundit Kevin Blake led the praise on social media, tweeting: "The words hero and legend get overused all the time, but as racehorses go, Tiger Roll couldn't fit those bills any better. Incredible longevity, an unbelievable CV and what a way to bow out with a huge run on the biggest stage. Thanks for the memories, Tiger."

Fellow twitter user SidgeMo said: "Happy, safe retirement Tiger, not many horses find themselves as the most famous horse in the world, but for a time you were. Such a gutsy performance today." And Andy Stephens added: "Fabulous scenes at Cheltenham. There will never be another Tiger Roll. Two Grand Nationals, five festival wins and twice runner-up there. An astonishing racehorse."

Watch: Tiger Roll runs his last race with a brave second in the Cross Country Chase

Read more on Tiger Roll:

'A little rat of a thing but the heart of a lion' – top Tiger Roll quotes

Five of the best performances from Cheltenham and Aintree hero

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