Mullins: Big task for Hedgehunter
Willie Mullins admits Hedgehunter faces a “big task” to secure back-to-back victories in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree in April.
The 10-year-old beat Royal Auclair by 14 lengths in the four-and-a-half-mile showpiece, but he will have to defy a 9lb rise to a minimum weight of 11st 10lb if he is to complete a National double.
Mullins said: “Hedgehunter won well last year so it’s come as no surprise to see what he has to do this time. It’s a big task.
“He re-wrote history by being the first horse for 20 years or so to win carrying more than 11st and he’s got to do it again.
“Hopefully, we’ll get to the race in one piece.
“He’ll probably carry top weight on the day and that’s come as no surprise.”
Ante-post favourite Clan Royal has been dropped 3lb from last year’s mark to 10st 8lb.
The Jonjo O’Neill-trained 11-year-old finished second behind Amberleigh House in 2004 before being carried out by a loose horse at Becher’s second time round last year.
However, the Jackdaws Castle handler is hoping Clan Royal, who has run twice over hurdles this season, will enjoy a change of fortune at Liverpool this time.
He said: “It has not been the luckiest of tracks for Clan Royal, but he does seem to like it there.
“He’s in good form at the minute and hopefully we’ll get there and make it third time lucky maybe.
“We were delighted with him over hurdles the other day and we are looking forward to Aintree as long as he gets there safe and sound.”
Clan Royal’s lower mark has seen him shorten to 6-1 favourite with totesport for the handicap spectacular, while Hedgehunter is a 10-1 shot.
