Tiger roars to Triumph success

Tiger Roll oozed class when scooting up the hill to win the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Davy Russell was back in the Gigginstown House Stud colours replacing the injured Bryan Cooper, and Gordon Elliott's youngster never looked in any danger as he travelled sweetly in behind the leaders.

He had Guitar Pete and Kentucky Hyden for company over the last, but Russell kicked him clear for a three-and-a-quarter-length win from the latter.

Ruby Walsh took a crashing fall on Abbyssial when leading early on, and the unlucky horse of the race was the favourite Calipto, as Daryl Jacob had major tack issues approaching the second-last, doing very well to keep the partnership intact before finishing fourth.

Tiger Roll made his debut when winning at Market Rasen for Nigel Hawke, after which Gigginstown snapped him up, and on his first run for Elliott he was second to Guitar Pete in Grade One company. Elliott had said all along he was not afraid of taking on that rival again and he turned the form around in no uncertain terms.

It was vindication for Russell, who lost his job as number one rider for Gigginstown halfway through the season.

The jockey said: "I had a couple of OK rides coming in and I picked up this due to Bryan's injury. Gordon has done a marvellous job. It's only a third start in his career and Gordon had him on the button. Life will throw plenty of things at you. There's been a lot worse happen to other people. What happened to me (losing number one position at Gigginstown), it's just life."

Winning owner Michael O'Leary added: "It's wonderful. I'm delighted for Gordon Elliott. He's a brilliant trainer. He's been having a tough week as well. It's lovely to get one on the board, even if we had to wait until the last day."

Elliott said: "It's a dream come true. We've hit the crosssbar all week, but I feel sorry for Bryan Cooper and I'm delighted for Davy because he's always very lucky when he rides for me. I was a bit nervous early as he was keen, but he's won and I'm delighted. We'll look at Punchestown but I'll talk with Michael and Eddie (O'Leary) and see."

Nicky Henderson, responsible for second Kentucky Hyden and Royal Irish Hussar, who finished just behind the placed horses, said: "Both ran well. I would say Royal Irish Hussar would be more likely to go to Aintree. Kentucky Hyden is more of a stayer and wants softer ground. He'd be more likely for Punchestown, but we'll probably see the winner again there."

Dessie Hughes, trainer of Guitar Pete, said: "He has run a good race. The winner was second to us at Leopardstown but he seemed to have improved a fair bit. I'm sure he'll go to Punchestown."

Paul Nicholls was left to rue his luck with Calipto, saying: "It's just the way the week's gone, the leather snapped and it was a simple as that. He nearly got brought down when Ruby's horse fell and whether something happened then, I don't know. The leather snapped coming to the second-last. It's unbelievable. He's a super horse and will be a lovely runner next year."