Hedgehunter takes seasonal bow

Racing : Hedgehunter, winner of the 2005 John Smith's Grand National, benefited from a handy spin over timber in the Rock Of…

Racing: Hedgehunter, winner of the 2005 John Smith's Grand National, benefited from a handy spin over timber in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle at Thurles - which was won by stablemate Mossy Green.

Willie Mullins' tough-as-teak gelding, second in both the Gold Cup and Grand National this year, finished an encouraging fifth in the extended two-mile-six-furlong contest.

Ridden by 5lb claimer Ritchie Kiely, Hedgehunter made up plenty of ground in the straight as up front Mossy Green showed grand resolve under Ruby Walsh to reel in the front-running Sweet Kiln and eventually hold the fast-finishing Pacolet by two and a half lengths.

The Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28 is the next likely assignment for Hedgehunter. Mullins said: "I was delighted with that. He (Hedgehunter) ran better than I expected.

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"He goes for the Lexus at Christmas - I was going to give him another before that but he ran so well there that he might not need another race. He might go straight there."

Back In Front produced a game staying performance to take the Glen Chase and make amends for falling at Clonmel on his seasonal reappearance.

Edward O'Grady's charge was sent off the 9-4 favourite to land his first victory in nearly a year in the three-mile event.

He was always travelling well for Paddy Flood and was well clear of Romek turning for home.

However, Back In Front tired dramatically coming to the second-last and had to produce a bit more for Flood to hold the renewed challenge of Romek by six lengths.

O'Grady will also step his charge up to Grade One level for the Lexus, a race which could feature War Of Attrition and Beef Or Salmon.

He said: "He (Flood) thought he had a nice bit of horse left if something came to him. Hopefully now we'll go for the Lexus at Leopardstown at Christmas."