Hedgehunter Cheltenham Date In Doubt

Hedgehunter, second in last season's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, could bypass this year's renewal.

Trainer Willie Mullins ruled his 11-year-old out of Saturday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown and admits he could also miss the Festival blue riband.

'He will certainly sidestep Cheltenham if he's not right,' said Mullins.

'I'm not going to press him to get to Cheltenham. If he's not right he may miss out as Aintree is my main focus.'

Hedgehunter has not won since lifting the Grand National in 2005 but has put in a string of top-class performances, finishing second in the Irish Hennessy, Gold Cup and National last season.

However, he has been limited to just one start over hurdles this term and Mullins is not totally satisfied with his condition at present.

'He's just not right at the moment, he's just a bit stiff and I hope it's nothing serious,' added Mullins.

'We pulled him out on Saturday as he's not right and we will take a view about Cheltenham nearer the time.'

Hedgehunter is as low as 16-1 with Coral for the Gold Cup, while the same firm make him the 12-1 joint favourite along with Numbersixvalverde for the National.

(C) PA Sport