19/09/2024

Eddie O'Leary: Tiger Roll's Grand National Wins Wouldn't Have Happened Without Cross Country Changes

Eddie O’Leary, racing manager for Gigginstown House Stud, has voiced his concerns over the recent announcement that the Cheltenham Festival’s Cross Country Chase will revert to a handicap format in 2025. O’Leary firmly believes the change could have prevented Tiger Roll, one of the sport’s most beloved horses, from achieving his Grand National triumphs in 2018 and 2019.

“If the Cross Country had remained a handicap, Tiger Roll would never have won at Aintree,” O’Leary said. “That race saved him. He was on the way out, and switching to a conditions format reinvigorated his career. He went on to win two Nationals because of it.”

Cross Country’s Evolution

The Cross Country Chase transitioned from a handicap to a conditions race in 2016, a move O’Leary applauds. “Before the change, it was a terrible race. It wasn’t even worth watching. Now, it’s one of the highlights of the festival. Horses like Tiger Roll, Delta Work, and Minella Indo have thrived because of it.”

O’Leary stressed the importance of the Cross Country as a platform for seasoned chasers to find their form again. “These horses aren’t Gold Cup contenders anymore, but they still have plenty to offer. The Cross Country gives them a chance to shine. Horses like Delta Work and Tiger Roll would have struggled to find opportunities without it.”

A Proven National Prep

The Cross Country has become a proven stepping stone for Grand National success. Tiger Roll won the race before both of his National victories, and Delta Work, winner of the Cross Country in 2022 and 2023, finished runner-up in last year’s Grand National. Other notable National performers like Minella Indo and Galvin have also benefited from the discipline.

“The Cross Country has shown it’s an ideal prep for the Grand National,” O’Leary added. “It gets horses in the right shape for Aintree, and its current format ensures the best horses are on show. Turning it back into a handicap risks diluting its quality.”

Mixed Feelings on the Turners Novices’ Chase Changes

While O’Leary is critical of the Cross Country changes, he’s more accepting of the decision to downgrade the Turners Novices’ Chase from a Grade 1 to a handicap.

“I have no issue with the Turners becoming a handicap,” he said. “When it was a handicap in the past, it was a highly competitive race that produced stars like A Plus Tard. If there’s a ceiling of 145 or 150, it’ll still attract quality novices, and the best horses will target the two- or three-mile Grade 1 races instead.”

Looking Ahead

Gigginstown’s dominance in the Cross Country Chase, with horses like Tiger Roll and Delta Work winning five of the last six runnings, has showcased the race’s importance for rejuvenating top-level chasers. However, O’Leary fears the upcoming changes could diminish its impact.

“It’s a shame to see the Cross Country reverting to a handicap. It’s been a fantastic race under its current format, and I hope it doesn’t lose what made it so special.”

With the changes set to take effect in 2025, debate will no doubt continue over their impact on the festival and the future of these iconic races.

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