Racing legend Tiger Roll made a habit of delighting his fans on the big occasions in the sport.
So it came as no surprise that the dual Grand National hero was an instant hit in the show ring.
Just months after his final run at the Cheltenham Festival, where he won on five occasions, the veteran placed first in Ireland. Without a jump in sight, Tiger Roll was given the top rosette in the Racehorse to Riding class at Tullamore show.
Rising eventing star Ted O'Leary was in the saddle as the 12-year-old was put through his paces. It was a much different challenge for the ex-chaser, who defied his small size to triumph in Aintree's big race.
In 2018 and 2019, Tiger Roll nimbly negotiated the 30 jumps on the course, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to scoop back-to-back renewals.
Tiger Roll embarked on his new career after signing off with a brave second in the cross country race at Cheltenham, which he took time times.
Junior European Eventing Championships team silver medallist O'Leary carefully prepared the top chaser for his new discipline. Most of the work has been done at a stud farm which belongs to his father Eddie, who also runs the famous Gigginstown racing operation.
The family were thrilled with Tiger Roll's latest result, as was Gordon Elliott, who trained him between 2014 and his final start in March of this year.
Sharing two photos of Tiger Roll at the show, he tweeted: "Great to see Tiger Roll excelling in his second career.
"Congratulations to Ted and Tiger on bringing home first place at Tullamore Show."
The success sets Tiger Roll up for a clash with some fellow greats of the sport at Dublin Horse Show. Eight-time Grade 1 winner Douvan and fellow National winner One For Arthur are also taking part in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Racehorse to Riding Horse Championship.
Gigginstown have had success at the event in the past with former Cheltenham Gold Cup titleholders War Of Attrition and Don Cossack. Judges will focus on various attributes including conformation, presence and their action in the arena.
The pair and this year's candidate Tiger Roll have been used to crowds of up to 70,000 attending the Festival. Racing fans were delighted to see one of the all-time favourites performing so well in front of a new audience.
Accompanying the post with a heart emoji on Twitter, one wrote: "This is just so lovely to see, he doesn’t need to be racing to still be winning."
Another said: "He looks in lovely condition. Hope he has many happy years ahead."
And a third added: "I absolutely adore this horse. I backed him in the two Nationals at 20-1 and the Triumph Hurdle."
There will be a Cheltenham theme to the weekend proceedings, as Tiger Roll bids to impress two fellow stars of the Gloucestershire's greatest show on turf. Henrietta Knight, who won three Gold Cups with Best Mate will judge the class alongside seven-time Festival hero Nina Carberry.
