Mullins Hunting A Repeat Victory

Hedgehunter will have to defy history if he is to secure back-to-back victories in the John Smith's Grand National on April 8 ? but that can't keep the twinkle out of trainer Willie Mullins' eye.

No horse has won the great race in successive seasons since the legendary Red Rum in 1974, and Reynoldstown was the only other to achieve the feat in the whole of the 20th century.

Moreover, horses carrying top weight have a dreadful record in the race and Hedgehunter will have to hump 11st 12lb for four and a half miles while he jumps 30 formidable fences.

Mullins remains confident about the chances of his tough stayer, who advertised his claims with a superb second place behind War Of Attrition in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on his last outing.

'Although statistics are against us, and there hasn't been a winner with top weight for over 30 years, he jumps well and he's as well prepared as he'll ever be,' he said.

'We're hoping for the best. If he jumps around I cannot see why he can't be in the first four ? but a lot of it depends on having a bit of luck.

'We were delighted with his run at Cheltenham. He's come out of his race really well and he's put on a bit of weight, which is good. That means he's going into Aintree fit and feeling well in himself.

'He was second to a very good horse at Cheltenham and we're extremely happy with his performance.'

Connections are keeping their fingers crossed that Hedgehunter ? who is vying for favouritism with Clan Royal ? gets the all-important clear run at his fences.

He fell in the race two years ago, but that was more a case of exhaustion as he had jumped 29 of the fences well and took a tired tumble at the last when still in contention.

Back at Aintree last year, he hardly put a foot wrong before storming clear up the run-in for one of the most impressive triumphs in living memory, beating Royal Auclair by 14 lengths in the hands of top rider Ruby Walsh.

The relationship between Mullins and the future National winner was forged a few years ago when the trainer picked him out of a lorry-load of horses from Tom Costello.

Hedgehunter, one of the cheaper ones, developed a talent for finishing second early in his career, but showed distinct promise as a staying chaser and was passed on to Trevor Hemmings.

The owner's love affair with the National went back to 1971, when he was working for Fred Pontin when the holiday village tycoon won with Specify, and he was always on the lookout for Aintree types.

His familiar green, yellow and white colours had been carried over the big fences by plenty of other horses in 12 attempts to capture the great prize before last season.

So the 2005 triumph was a dream come true for the successful businessman, who also numbers Blackpool Tower among his portfolio.

'I still remember the day vividly,' he said. 'Something like winning the National stays with you forever.'

The Mullins yard drank a year's supply of the sponsors' brew in one weekend after Hedgehunter's victory ? John Smith's shipped more across to keep them happy ? and they have acquired the taste.

Statistics say it won't happen ? but nobody has told Hedgehunter, and there is plenty of belief that the 10-year-old has the special qualities required to write his own chapter in the history of the world's most famous race.

? PA Sport