Hedgehunter ready for National defence

Hedgehunter is on course for the John Smith’s Grand National on Saturday week but trainer Willie Mullins believes the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up is a “very short price”.

After finishing a gallant second to War Of Attrition in the blue riband, the 10-year-old was slashed in the ante-post lists and is the general 5-1 joint favourite alongside Clan Royal.

However, following his 14-length call over Royal Auclair in the National last year, Mullins’ charge has been saddled with joint top weight of 11st 12lb.

“He is in very good form but he is a very short price for a horse who has to carry all of that weight,” said Mullins. “Statistics and history would be against him but he is in good order.

“He has a lot of weight and I hope he runs well but it is certainly a very short price.”

Hedgehunter took a tired fall at the final fence when still in contention in the 2004 National and critics have suggested a slow early pace in last year’s race allowed him to get home.

“I wouldn’t have thought there would be a problem with his stamina and the further he goes the better he goes, “ he told At The Races.

“I would have thought last year that the last two miles were slower than the first two as I think they slowed it down when Clan Royal was carried out.”