Williams is fearful of Hedgehunter

CHRISTIAN WILLIAMS sees last year’s winner Hedgehunter as the main threat to his mount Royal Auclair - one of seven Paul Nicholls runners - in the John Smith’s Grand National on Saturday.

Williams enjoyed a memorable ride when runner-up on the nine-year-old 12 months ago and the jockey believes even a pull in the weights may not be enough for his mount to turn the tables.

“We are 12lb better off with Hedgehunter but I don’t think another stone would have stopped him winning last time,” said Williams.