Hedgehunter misses French date

Grand National winner Hedgehunter will miss his intended engagement in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris at Auteuil on May 29.

Trainer Willie Mullins had hoped to run the brilliant 14-length winner of the Aintree showpiece in the race on Sunday week, but has been forced to shelve his plans.

“Hedgehunter hasn’t recovered well enough from his race at Aintee and won’t be going to France,” Mullins told the Racing Post.

“His shoulder muscles are a bit stiff so we’ve decided to let him off for the summer.”

However, Mullins is planning a three-horse raid on the Prix la Barka, run on the same card. “The intention is for Homer Wells and Raikkonen to join Rule Supreme in the Prix la Barka.

"Depending on how they get on, one, or both, of them could join Rule Supreme in the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil next month,” added Mullins.