Hedgehunter heads National market

The unveiling of the weights for the Martell Cognac Grand National yesterday produced a host of moves in ante-post markets on the world’s greatest steeplechase.

The Willie Mullins-trained Hegdehunter (10st 9lb) has shot to the forefront of William Hill’s betting and is now clear favourite at 12-1, having been cut from 14s.

Rince Ri (11st 10lb) has eased a couple of points with the Leeds-based firm to 14-1, and they have also cut the Dessie Hughes-trained Timbera (10st 5lb) to 25-1 from 33s.

Blackpool businessman Mike Futter and his syndicate of owners won the best part of £1million on their horse Monty’s Pass last year and Hills are bracing themselves as Futter goes for another National touch.

According to Hills, Futter could win a figure approaching £600,000 from them alone if his selections Hedgehunter or Be My Manager oblige this year.

Martell Cognac Grand National betting:

Ladbrokes: 14-1 Rince Ri, Hedgehunter, 16-1 Artic Jack, Monty’s Pass, 20-1 Amberleigh House, Bear On Board, Davids Lad, Lord Atterbury, Bindaree, Clan Royal, Commanche Court, Joss Naylor, Macs Gildoran, Shardam, Swansea Bay, Timbera, 33-1 bar.

William Hill: 12-1 Hedgehunter, 14-1 Rince Ri, 16-1 Bear On Board, 20-1 Artic Jack, Bindaree, Clan Royal, Davids Lad, Lord Atterbury, Montys Pass, 25-1 Amberleigh House, Joss Naylor, Le Coudray, Timbera, 33-1 bar.

Coral: 14-1 Rince Ri, Hedgehunter, 16-1 Monty’s Pass, 20-1 Amberleigh House, Davids Lad , Bear On Board, Artic Jack, Lord Atterbury, Clan Royal, Bindaree, Joss Naylor, 25-1 Chives, Macs Gildoran, Timbera, Swansea Bay, Joe Blake, World Wide Web, 33-1 bar.