Mullins Waits On Hedgehunter Gold Bid

Willie Mullins will leave a decision on Hedgehunter’s participation in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup until nearer next month’s Festival.

The John Smith’s Grand National hero is available at around the 16-1 mark for the blue riband after finishing a tired second to Beef Or Salmon in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup eight days ago.

“We haven’t made a decision and it is unlikely we will make a decision this week as we haven’t put a time limit on it — we will just see how things go,” said Mullins.

“He didn’t eat up on the evening after the race, but has been eating well since and is in much better form — I am much happier with him.”

Hedgehunter’s defeat in the Hennessy followed on from his fourth place in the Lexus Chase over Christmas, which was his first outing over fences since his runaway success at Aintree 12 months ago.

The Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding is a leading fancy for this year’s renewal of the National, with Coral quoting him at 10-1.

? PA Sport