Hedgehunter Team Eye Hennessy Bid

Hedgehunter, winner of the 2005 Grand National, is likely to be seen in Grade One action next month.

The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on February 10 has been nominated as his probable next port of call before connections turn their attention to Cheltenham and Aintree.

Second in the Leopardstown race last season, Willie Mullins' 11-year-old filled the same spot in the Gold Cup in March and the Grand National the following month.

Reportedly back on song now, he is likely to tread a familiar path this spring if preparations continue to go smoothly.

'Hedgehunter's back in fast work and he's aiming at the Hennessy at Leopardstown in February,' confirmed owner Trevor Hemmings' racing manager Michael Meagher.

'He was second there last year and he missed his run over Christmas as Willie wasn't quite happy with him but he's on target now.'

On the possibility of tackling the Gold Cup and National again, he told At The Races: 'All being well he probably will, as we have an extra week this year with the National being later ? there were no ill effects on him last year.

'He managed to cope very well so we'll keep our fingers crossed that everything goes okay with him.

'He would be on the same lines as last year.'

(C) PA Sport