Hemmings Targets National Glory

Owner Trevor Hemmings has pinpointed a familiar target for his popular veteran Hedgehunter.

Trained by Willie Mullins, the 11-year-old was pulled up on his seasonal return in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown but will again have the John Smith's Grand National on the agenda.

Having won the four-and-a-half-miler in 2005, Hemmings' charge would be making his fifth appearance if getting the go-ahead this season.

'Everything is fine with him but his main aim is to get to the National in top condition,' Hemmings said.

'He wasn't fit when he ran the last time and it took him a while to get over it so we are giving him a complete break.

'There is so much public interest in the National and he is becoming a bit of a public horse so it would be a shame if he had to miss the race, he has such a big following.

'We will try to give him a run beforehand and it will probably be over hurdles, but we'll just nurse him along.

'One thing is for sure, he won't be running in the Gold Cup. He can't run in both again ? the year he was second in both was a fantastic effort but it took a lot out of him.'

Hemmings also hopes recent Tommy Whittle winner Cloudy Lane might turn up at Aintree sporting his famous silks.

'Cloudy Lane is another we might run in the race the way he won last time,' Hemmings added.

'I think when we look back it will prove to be a really good performance last time and he jumps so well.

'He is the sort of horse that is improving and might have a nice racing weight for the race, about 10st 7lb.

'If he runs again before the weights come out I would imagine it could be over hurdles.'

(C) PA Sport