O’Leary is a bell end. Not much more to say really other than the race won’t be diminished by TR’s sbsence.
He probably should allow him take his chance really. Coming into the spring and a bit of nicer ground, he could definitely still run a nice race and sure if whoever is riding on the day feels Tiger Roll isn't enjoying his spin around then ease him up and he will still return a hero with his already impressive roll of honour.
I guess there is the "unspoken" part of this which goes along the lines of the handicapper saying to Elliott and Gigginstown: "The past few years have shown you are very adept at getting a horse dropped to a favourable mark and did you really think that I would drop him 15lbs for two Aintree races where he patently wasn't ready to do himself justice and then a lob around over hurdles". To some extent, you reap what you sow.
Must confess I did find this something of a 'nothing' story as at the end of the day all it boils down to is that a horses owner feels his animal has been given too much weight by the handicapper - and similar sentiments (rightly or wrongly) probably apply to 50 other horses entered in this terms GN!!! Personally, however, I would think Tiger Roll not running would be a massive omission as a horse going for a 3rd success in the race would add a huge amount to the narrative. My early views on the race are that Santini has a lovely weight (10-10) - down 19 lbs in just over a year. Caribean Boy (10-6) also isn't badly treated. Same can be said for Mount Ida (10-13). Secret Reprieve way, way, way down the handicap at number 87!!! That old 'Charlie Slater' line can be used to describe a huge amount of the runners. Some would put Melon (11-6) in this category. Not totally sure I would be bally 'eck he's been dealt no favours, whatsoever, by the handicapper.
I hope when oleary gets to the races they don't give him a seat and charge him to use the toilet. Give him a box half the size of others but charge him double the price and don't let him in until the race is off then perhaps offer him a credit note if he complains. Can't say I like the guy.
