Hedgehunter may return at Thurles

Willie Mullins could give Hedgehunter a first start of the season in Thursday's Thurles Chase, but will not make a final decision about his participation until declaration day.

Victorious in the 2005 Grand National at Aintree, the gallant 10-year-old only conceded to Numbersixvalverde in this year's renewal despite carrying joint-top weight, and just as valiantly managed to finish second to War Of Attrition in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

"I haven't made a decision with him, I just entered him because he's well in at the weights for the conditions of the race," said the County Carlow trainer.

"He's perfect, in really good form, but I will not make a final decision until Wednesday."

Mullins also has Adamant Approach, the promising Our Ben, Livingstonebramble, Mossy Green, Joueur D'Estruval and Homer Wells in the two-mile-and-six-furlong race, but reiterated that it would not be until Wednesday that any of the septet would be given approval to start.

The last-named put in some decent placed efforts in novice company last season and although not seen since February, he is one of two Mullins-trained possibilities for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury later this month.

He reported: "I have both Bothar Na and Homer Wells in the race, and I'm keen to keep them in at this stage.

"They would both like the trip, although Bothar Na prefers dry ground and Homer Wells would want it softer."