Grand National: Tiger Roll owner reacts to win - ‘I thought he had no chance’
THE owner of Tiger Roll has admitted he didn’t expect the Gelding to win this year’s Grand National.
Grand National 2019: Tiger Roll WINS race at Aintree
Tiger Roll won its second consecutive Grand National this afternoon.
Victory at Aintree saw the nine-year-old become the first horse to win back-to-back Grand Nationals since Red Rum.
Tiger Roll went into the race as the bookies’ favourite, with millions of punters piling their cash on him.
However, despite seeing Tiger Roll win the meet last year, owner Michael O’Leary didn’t foresee the Thoroughbred winning the trophy this time out.
I thought he had no chance
Speaking moments after the race, an elated O’Leary - the owner of Ryan Air - said: “It's incredible.
“I thought he had no chance. What a horse.
“He keeps improving I just don't understand him. I''m so thrilled.”
Jockey Davy Russell rode Tiger Roll to victory and said: “He's just an unbelievable horse.”
Tiger Roll’s trainer Gordon Elliot was ecstatic with the victory and said: "It was marvellous.
“He had a couple of stumbles but the the blinkers did the trick today.”
He later added: “We work very hard for this. The team is so big at home.
“Davy's mum died last year and these two wins are for her.”
A delighted Russell later said: "This horse is amazing. People go on about certain sporting events, this is just special.
"It's so well run and it touches so many people around the world.
"I'm so proud to even be taking part. Myself and Gordon have just soldiered on so far.
"It was easy on Tiger Roll. He flicks across the top of the fences - I cannot believe it."