Hedgehunter handed welter National burden

HEDGEHUNTER, last year’s John Smith’s Grand National hero, will share joint top weight of 11st 12lb following the news that 96 horses stand their ground at the second forfeit stage for next month’s renewal of the Aintree marathon.

The weights have been raised 2lb after the withdrawal of Monkerhostin, one of 26 horses who were taken out along with A Glass In Thyne, One Knight, and the Martin Pipe quartet, Comply Or Die, Joaaci, Iris Bleu and Zeta’s River.

Willie Mullins’ Hedgehunter carried 11st 1lb when beating Royal Auclair by 14 lengths last year, but both will be saddled with top weight this time round.