Hedgehunter returns to National acclaim

HEDGEHUNTER received a rapturous welcome at Leopardstown yesterday afternoon following his heroics in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.

The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old ran out one of the easiest winners of the world’s greatest steeplechase for many a year, justifying favouritism with a 14-length success from Royal Auclair.

And he looked on great terms with himself as he paraded after the fifth race at the Dublin track. His proud trainer arrived back from England in time to see his charge and officials at the course handed out small Irish flags for the crowd to wave as the horse went around the paddock.