Hedgehunter gave his Martell Cognac Grand National prospects a big boost with a brilliant round of jumping to win the Goulding Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park today.
Willie Mullins' chaser never put a foot wrong throughout the three-mile contest and is sure to be a leading contender for the Aintree spectacular on the evidence of this run.
David Casey took Hedgehunter, the 100-30 favourite, to the head of affairs at the third fence after Be My Belle had made the early running.
The eight-year-old enjoyed himself in front and bounded clear of his only serious challenger I'vehadit (14-1) in the straight to win by eight lengths. The winner's stable companion Rule Supreme (7-1) was third.
Paddy Power cut Hedgehunter to 16-1 from 20-1 for the Grand National on April 3rd.
