Hedgehunter still on course for the National

/ Editor / 02 April 2007 / Leave a Comment

Hedgehunter warmed up for another crack at the Grand National with a pleasing run when finishing ninth over hurdles at Limerick on Sunday.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding, who won the National in 2005 and finished runner-up under top-weight last year, was, as usual partnered by his ever-present, big-race rider Ruby Walsh.

"Hedgehunter looked very well and ran on well over a trip (2m) well short of what he needs. If he goes for the National, I'll be riding him," reported Ruby.

"If he comes out of this race okay, we'll give him a couple of bits of work at home and
head back to Aintree," added Mullins, who was not unduly concerned about the slight nasal discharge suffered by his horse shortly after the race.

Following the initial news that Hedgehunter had come through his Limerick prep race relatively unscathed, his price on the Betfair market drifted marginally to 20 for the Aintree marathon, due to run on April 14.