Hedgehunter primed for another National bid

Willie Mullins has issued an upbeat bulletin on Hedgehunter ahead of next Saturday’s John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree.

The 11-year-old won the four-and-a-half-mile marathon in 2005 and also finished second last year but his preparations this term have been hampered by injury.

However, Mullins is pleased with Hedgehunter’s progress since his run over hurdles last week and is hoping he can lead a strong raiding party from his County Carlow base.

“Hedgehunter did a nice bit of work this morning and I’m very pleased with him,” said Mullins.

“There’s a chance he might do a small bit on Tuesday morning.

“I could have quite a few runners in the National now as I think Joueur d’Estruval has a chance of getting in.”