National 1-2 may clash in Boyne Hurdle Tiger Roll and Magic Of Light, first and second in last year’s Randox Health Grand National, may renew rivalry in the Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle at Navan on Sunday. Tiger Roll, who is bidding for a record third successive Grand National this year, was allotted joint top-weight for the Aintree showpiece along with stablemate Delta Work when the weights were announced yesterday. However, trainer Gordon Elliott has stressed caution about the fitness of Tiger Roll ahead of his return at Navan as the gelding has only recently returned to serious work following surgery in November. The Cullentra House trainer said, “Tiger Roll only did his first bit of work at the start of this month and he’s not going to be as fit as he was last year. “There will be a lot of improvement in him and it will be a stepping-stone to the Cross Country at Cheltenham.” Jessica Harrington has been frustrated by the recent inclement weather with Magic Of Light and is considering a change of plan with the nine-year-old mare who is among 14 entries for the Navan Grade 2. The Moone trainer said yesterday: “Magic Of Light is stuck at Bangor racecourse, hopefully getting on a ferry tonight — she won’t go to Exeter (on Sunday). “Plan B is possibly taking on Tiger Roll at Navan this weekend or she’ll go to Punchestown next Wednesday for a mares’ hurdle there.” Elliott also has Apple’s Jade entered for the 2m5f event, while Willie Mullins is triple-handed with Bachasson, Killultagh Vic and Penhill. Other significant contenders at this stage are the JP McManus-owned pair Darasso and Kilfenora. Navan manager Peter Killeen is delighted with the way the race is shaping up saying "Everyone at Navan is really thrilled that Gordon Elliott’s already legendary Tiger Roll is entered to run in the Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle on Sunday on what could be his last run in Ireland. “His performance when winning the race last year was jaw dropping to say the least and I’m sure racing fans will flock to Navan to see him starting his campaign again. "It’s fascinating to have Jessica Harrington’s Magic Of Light also entered in the race resulting in Navan having the privilege of the first and second across the line in the Grand National last year competing in what promises to be a great race."
