TIGER ROLL has more than just captured the hearts and minds of the racing public.

Having won the Aintree Grand National two years in a row, he has put himself in a similar bracket to Red Rum and has brought racing into mainstream sport and news coverage.

Irish Racing Yearbook 2020 editor Daragh Ó Conchúir has compiled the ruminations of some of the key protagonists in the tale of Tiger Roll to paint a picture of an extremely clever individual who is relishing his star status and flourishing with it.

Breeder Jerry O’Brien, groom Louise Magee, jockeys Keith Donoghue and Davy Russell, and trainer Gordon Elliott all have made significant contributions to Tiger Roll’s development, and his renaissance, having looked at one stage to have fallen out of love with racing.

Now, fitness permitting and if owner Michael O’Leary gives the green light, the soon-to-be 10-year-old son of Galway winner Swiss Roll and Derby hero Authorized has a chance of registering a unique Aintree Grand National three-in-a-row.

Before that, he will have a stab at another three-in-a-row, in the Cheltenham Cross-Country Chase, which would give him a remarkable fifth Festival triumph in total.

Now in shops, Irish Racing Yearbook 2020 details some incredible stories throughout the entire gamut of the industry, from breeding to sales, to point-to-points and the racecourse.

This year the publication has partnered with 20x20, the campaign to increase the visibility of women in sport. Racing is one of the few sports in which men and women compete against one another on an equal footing.

Rachael Blackmore shattered the glass ceiling for female jockeys with her unprecedented season and she is featured in the Yearbook, talking with housemate Paddy Mullins, himself a record-breaking rider.

As readers of The Irish Field will know, Mullins is also a very talented writer and his interview with Ruby Walsh is worth reading.

While Blackmore continues to excel, there remains a dearth of female riders breaking through in Ireland. Former amateur rider and now respected racing analyst Jane Mangan offers an alternative view to any suggestions of a pervasive bias.

Others featured in the Yearbook include Jessica Harrington, Paul and Jody Townend, Pat Smullen, Oisín Murphy, Donnacha O’Brien, Noel Meade, Ger Lyons and Colin Keane, Andrew Gemmell, Chris Hayes, Robbie Power, Sheila Lavery, Joanna Morgan and John Nallen.

The publication also includes bloodstock features, statistics and next year’s fixture list. There are also racecourse admission vouchers to the value of a staggering €1,500. This unique offering more than justifies the cover price of €31.95 (£29.50) for regular racegoers.

Web: irishracingyearbook.com

Tel: 056 7761504