Grand National reaction – Baggage fees no concern for Michael O’Leary after Tiger Roll wins £1million Grand National at Aintree racecourse
Tiger Roll, described as a 'little rat of a thing' by his owner Michael O'Leary won the Grand National for leading Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, who is continuing to prove he is the man for the big race and the big occasion.
RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary has never been so happy to have baggage fee problems.
After winning the £1million Randox Health Grand National with Tiger Roll, the big-spending owner joked how he would struggle to the get the trophy through airport security.
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O’Leary said: “I’m on a flight out of Liverpool and I’ve got the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle and the Grand National trophy – I’m not sure I’m going to get them through security.
“It’s certainly going to cost me a lot of prizemoney in excess baggage fees.”
Pint-sized Tiger Roll – three times a winner at the Cheltenham Festival – made jumping the fearsome National fences look easy.
But after cruising clear on the run-in the petrol started to empty close to the winning line. The 10-1 shot – trained in Ireland by Gordon Elliott – clung on by a fast-diminishing head from Pleasant Company.
Elliott’s Bless The Wings finished third with Anibale Fly completing a clean sweep of the first four places for Irish horses.
O’Leary added: “He’s a little rat of a thing but he has the heart of a lion.
“It’s unbelievable. I didn’t think he would handle those fences, he is very small. We are celebrating but we were all panicking. It’s a great day for us all.
“I won’t be at the celebrations at Gordon’s tomorrow – I’m committed to taking my 10-year-old to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United for his birthday.
“As a life-long Manchester City fan it’s not exactly how I wanted to spend the day after winning the Grand National.”
Tiger Roll grabbed the glory just two years after Rule The World had given O’Leary his first Grand National prize.
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It was also trainer Gordon Elliott’s second National win. The first came with Silver Birch 12 years ago when virtually unknown and yet to saddle a winner in his native Ireland.
Everyone knows all about Elliott now. He was leading trainer at last month’s Cheltenham Festival with a record eight wins and is locked in a fierce title battle with Willie Mullins in Ireland.
Elliot said: “I can’t believe it to be honest. I was so nervous when they announced the photo-finish result.
“I’ve said I didn’t appreciate it first time round – I’ll definitely appreciate it now.
“I’m going back to Ireland on the boat – Ryanair flights are too dear.”
As ever O’Leary – who took all his horses away from Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins in a row over costs – had the last word.
He replied: “Cheaper than your training fees.”