Mullins hunting for Hennessy glory

Willie Mullins hopes Hedgehunter can find the necessary improvement to lower Beef Or Salmon’s colours in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Last year’s John Smith’s Grand National winner goes head-to-head with Michael Hourigan’s seven-time Grade One winner in the mouth-watering contest, for which eight runners have been declared.

Hedgehunter was 17 lengths adrift in fourth as Beef Or Salmon powered to success in the Lexus Chase at the Dublin track over Christmas, and Mullins believes his 10-year-old will have come on for the run.

“I am happy with Hedgehunter and this race has been his target since the Grand National last year,” he said.

“I hope he can improve a little bit and get closer to Beef Or Salmon.

“We will then make a decision on whether he runs in the Gold Cup after the weekend.”

Beef Or Salmon has been plagued with problems in the past but has had a trouble-free run this term.

After a solid performance to finish second to Kingscliff in the Betfair Chase, the 10-year-old landed a hat-trick of victories in the Lexus and is the general 5-1 favourite to make it fourth-time lucky in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

His jockey Paul Carberry told At The Races: “He is in great form and there are no problems at the moment.

“I hope we get a clear run and that he jumps well, which is the main thing.

“Last year he didn’t run too well at Leopardstown and was sick afterwards for the rest of the season and this year he seems to be back in top form.

“A good horse will go on any ground and I know that Beef Or Salmon likes it fairly soft.

“But Michael Hourigan thinks he goes better on good ground so we will just have to take whatever ground we get.”

Jack High, who finished a tailed-off last in the Lexus, will again reoppose along with stablemate Rince Ri and veteran Native Upmanship.

Nil Desperandum, Prince Of Tara and Strong Project complete the field for the Grade One showpiece.