Tiger Roll left connections highly satisfied with a creditable fifth on his comeback as stablemate Cracking Smart ran out a surprise winner of the Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle at Navan.
While Cracking Smart took the honours for Gigginstown House Stud and trainer Gordon Elliott, Tiger Roll raced with real enthusiasm for much of the way as he prepares to bid for a fifth win at the Cheltenham Festival and third successive Randox Health Grand National.
Winner of this race 12 months ago, Tiger Roll only lost fourth place close home, having jumped well and travelled nicely after being held up in the rear through the early part of the two-mile five-furlong contest.
Magic Of Light - last year's National runner-up - and Killultagh Vic shared duties at the head of affairs, but both were swamped in the straight.
Cracking Smart (16-1) led two out and went on to score by four lengths from Penhill, with Bachasson five lengths away in third as trainer Willie Mullins provided the two placed horses.
