Michael O’Leary has revealed that he is building a statue of Tiger Roll.
There was widespread disappointment when the Ryanair boss withdrew the two-time Grand National winner from this year’s Aintree race.
The 12-year-old will now make his final appearance in the Cross-Country at Cheltenham in two weeks.
But O’Leary revealed in the new RTE Documentary on One podcast Tiger Roll — The People’s Horse that he has commissioned top sculptor Paul Ferriter to immortalise the star chaser at his Gigginstown House grounds.
“He will come back to Gigginstown where he will spend, hopefully a long and very happy retirement,” said O’Leary.
“We retire all our champion racehorses and they are lovingly looked after for the rest of their lives.
“It’s like a five-star hotel for retired champions.
“We have a statue already erected to Don Cossack and I’m pleased to say Paul Ferriter, the noted sculptor, has now been commissioned to prepare a life-size statue of Tiger Roll as well.”
Ferriter has previously created statues of O’Leary’s first Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition and the bronze AP McCoy that stands near the winners’ enclosure at Cheltenham racecourse.
“It’s a great privilege and honour to own Tiger Roll, he’s been one of the greatest horses we’ve owned,” said O’Leary.
“He’s been the horse of a lifetime.”
■ Tiger Roll — The People’s Horse is available to download now.
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