National hero won’t run again this season
The 10-year-old arrived back in Ireland at teatime last night but won't be seen out again this season.
“That will be it for the season now and we’ll bring him back next year to try and do it again,” Brassil said last night. “He is in good order. It was a great performance on Saturday - I was very proud,”
The 10-year-old’s victory in the world’s greatest steeplechase emerged from a first Aintree runner for Brassil, and a first ride at the track for jockey ‘Slippers’ Madden. However, Madden had to keep any celebrations on Saturday night low-key as he was riding at Tramore yesterday.
He said: “I’m feeling brilliant. We just had a few drinks late on when we got back last night but I will probably have a bit of a party tonight.”
Meanwhile connections of Hedgehunter will bide their time before deciding if the gallant Grand National runner-up will be seen out again this season.
“The horse has travelled home well and appears in good form,” said trainer Willie Mullins.
“He put up a terrific performance and I was delighted with his run. It was good to be back for the second year running and he still had his chance heading to the Elbow, so I was more than happy.
“We will just see how he is over the next week before deciding whether to run again, there will be no quick decision.
“If he was to run again this season, I imagine the only race he would go for would be the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown.”
The totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup second was conceding 18lb to the winner on Saturday and Mullins confirmed the blue riband and the National will be Hedgehunter’s targets next season.
“Going back to Cheltenham and Liverpool would be the main plan next year but we will have to see what happens in the meantime,” he added.
