Grand National 2018: Tiger Roll holds on to win in stunning photo finish
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The Aintree Grand National is famed for being one of the most difficult, enduring races in sport. And the 2018 renewal was another incredible chapter in its historic story.
Tiger Roll stayed in touch with the main pack for the majority of the 4m 3f and then suddenly made his move with three fences to jump.
Davy Russell kicked the eight-year-old into gear as it burst past Pleasant Company and hit the front. It stayed there the whole way home, fighting off a heroic last push from the former to nick it in a photo finish. Gordon Elliott’s charge was a 10/1 winner and the Irish trainer’s second winner of this race.
The Aintree National takes no prisoners and that was seen clearly as Blaklion – one of the antepost favourites – fell at the very first fence.
Total Recall – another who headed the betting – made a huge mistake at the fourth but Paul Townend miraculously kept him upright and going.
Captain Redbeard unseated its jockey at the 8th, then Lord Windermere went at the 9th. There was another miracle recovery from Townend on Total Recall at the 9th.
However, it was Ucello Conti – another Elliott charge – and Daryl Jacob who led for about half the race. Willie Mullins’ Pleasant Company then challenged for and took the lead with David Mullins on-board.
Ucello Conti unseated Jacob at the fourth-from-last as the field narrowed. Tiger Roll – who’d hovered a little further back – then made his move. Russell and his charge jumped the penultimate fence smoothly and zoomed out in front.
He looked like he was cruising to a win in the final straight but Pleasant Company followed him the whole way home. But Tiger Roll and Russell weren’t to be denied in a thrilling race.
2018 Randox Grand National Result:
- 1. Tiger Roll –10/1
- 2. Pleasant Company –25/1
- 3. Bless The Wings –40/1
- 4. Anibale Fly –10/1
- 5. Milansbar –25/1
- 6. Road To Riches – 33/1
All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication
