Hedgehunter handed tough assignment

Connections of last year’s John Smith’s Grand National winner Hedgehunter admit he faces an uphill battle against Beef Or Salmon at Leopardstown on Sunday.

The pair are set to line up in the three-mile Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup with Hedgehunter having finished a 17-length fourth behind Beef Or Salmon in the Lexus Chase over course and distance last time.