Tiger Roll in Cheltenham Festival swansong as Grand National legend to be retired before Aintree

Tiger Roll, one of the most prolific and popular jumps horses of recent decades, will be retired after the Cheltenham Festival next month.

It was revealed earlier this month that Tiger Roll will not be bidding for a record-equaling third win in the Aintree showpiece after owner Michael O’Leary withdrew the horse, citing his “absurd” handicap mark.

O’Leary also pulled Tiger Roll from last year’s Randox Grand National, objecting to his weight.

The dual Grand National winner was given a handicap mark of 161, the same mark given to 2021 winner Minella Times.

Since then, the gelding’s form has been mixed, often in races he was unlikely to be competitive in.

But he landed the Cross Country Chase last year by 18 lengths and British Horserace Authority handicapper, Martin Greenwood, said he tried to take a “balanced view” on Tiger Roll’s form.

Describing Greenwood’s verdict as “absurd”, O’Leary added: “Since we are responsible for the welfare of Tiger Roll, we must protect him from the idiotic opinion of this handicapper.”

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing on Sunday, O’Leary revealed that the beloved 12-year-old will now be retiring from the sport.

He said: "You will defy age, many athletes have tried. He will not be in the Grand National by the time he runs in the Cross Country.

“I have no intentions of asking the horse, who is like a fifth child, to me to carry 11st 8lbs or 11st 12lbs around Cheltenham or around Aintree at the age of 12.

“It is not happening because he has been unfairly treated by the handicapper not for one year, not for two years, but for three years - and it is the handicapper's fault that the promotion of this race has now been damaged."

O’Leary added of the immense sadness that his lovable horse will not