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Grand National festival

'Tiger Roll's rating is very fair' - Ruby Walsh on the Grand National weights

Ruby Walsh won the Grand National twice, including here on Hedgehunter in 2005
Ruby Walsh won the Grand National twice, including here on Hedgehunter in 2005Credit: Edward Whitaker

Ruby Walsh has described Tiger Roll's rating of 166 for this year's Randox Grand National as "very fair" after the weights were revealed for jump racing's most famous contest.

Tiger Roll was raised 7lb by the BHA's jump handicappers' team leader Martin Greenwood from the 2019 running with a weight of 11st 9lb – 1lb below topweights Bristol De Mai, Easysland and Santini.

He won the race off a rating of 150 in 2018 and 159 in 2019 with owner Michael O'Leary recently adamant he would not run if rated in the 160s or 170s, but Walsh believes connections can have no complaints.


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Walsh, who landed the National on Papillon in 2000 and Hedgehunter five years later, said: "I think Tiger Roll's rating is very fair and Martin couldn't have done any different.

"It's a handicap and everyone is supposed to be finishing together. Looking at the form, he has been fair enough to Tiger Roll."

Asked by Ed Chamberlin to pick two horses from the weights during the televised unveiling, Walsh plumped for 2019 Irish Grand National winner Burrows Saint and Ladbrokes Trophy scorer Cloth Cap.

Ruby Walsh won the Irish Grand National on Burrows Saint in 2019, and the eight-year-old is one of two selections for the two-time Grand National winner in this year's race
Ruby Walsh won the Irish Grand National on Burrows Saint in 2019, and the eight-year-old is one of two selections for the two-time Grand National winner in this year's raceCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Burrows Saint, one of eight entries for trainer Willie Mullins, needs to run over fences this season to qualify for the race, with the Bobbyjo Chase a likely next destination at Fairyhouse on February 27. He is a best price 25-1 with bet365.

The eight-year-old has been given 10st 13lb, while Cloth Cap is allotted 10st 5lb and is vying for favouritism with Tiger Roll at 20-1.

Walsh, whose Grand National-winning sister Katie opted for Cap Du Nord as her selection, said: "They're good jumpers, strong travellers and have nice weights on their back."


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Jack HaynesReporter

Published on 16 February 2021inGrand National festival

Last updated 14:53, 16 February 2021

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