Tiger Roll is ridden out by Donagh Meyler© Photo Healy Racing
The Gordon Elliott trained, Gigginstown House Stud owned, Tiger Roll ran his rivals into the ground as he took the Grade A JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Handicap Chase.
Originally due to be ridden by Lisa O'Neill, Donagh Meyler took over in the plate, with O'Neill switching to Wrath Of Titans after his rider Bryan Cooper was injured yesterday.
The winner, who claimed the 2014 Triumph Hurdle, was making his debut in handicap company today, and having started at 33/1 last night, he opened on-course at 25's, before going off a 20/1 chance.
Settled behind the leaders, the six-year-old son of Authorized was sixth with a circuit to race as Rogue Angel took them along in front.
Tiger Roll improved into fourth six out, and hit the front approaching the straight. He had all his rivals off the bridle before the second last, and he kept on well under pressure from before the final fence, going on to score comfortably by seven lengths. Stellar Notion finished second under David Mullins for Henry De Bromhead at 7/1, while Kylecrue (12/1) was another three and a quarter lengths back in third under Danny Mullins for John Ryan.
Kerry National winner Wrath Of Titans was sixth, while the well-backed 7/2 favourite On Fiddlers Green (8's last night and from 6's on-course) could only manage a disappointing tenth under Mark Enright for Henry De Bromhead.
Gordon Elliott, who was recording a double on the card, said afterwards: "All credit to Eddie O'Leary as I wanted to take him out with the ground drying up all the time. He was right and I was wrong. We have been lucky in all the Nationals this year.
"Donagh has only had a few rides for us but has been very lucky winning the Galway Plate as well.
Lisa will be disappointed but she wouldn't have swapped the other lad (Wrath Of Titans). She had her big day in Listowel and understands we are all a team."
Caroline McNamara, wife of JT, and their children Harry, Dylan and Olivia made the winning presentations afterwards.
Paddy Power go 50/1 about Tiger Roll for the Grand National.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
