Hedgehunter to take chance in Gold Cup

The Grand National winner Hedgehunter has got the green light to run in next Friday's Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup with Ruby Walsh riding.

"Trevor Hemmings (owner) and Willie Mullins spoke this morning and the horse will run," said Hemmings's racing manager, Michael Meager, yesterday.

"Obviously recent rain in the area helped us make the decision and any more rain will help further."

Walsh's decision to ride Hedgehunter leaves the mount on the Paul Nicholls-trained Cornish Rebel open to Joe Tizzard.

With five career wins to his credit Hedgehunter is as low as 12 to 1 with the sponsors and his second to Beef Or Salmon last time at Leopardstown should have him spot on.

Other jockey news for Cheltenham is that the multiple Group One-winning flat rider Kevin Manning will ride the Gerard O'Leary-trained First Author in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

A 7.30am inspection will take place this morning to see if racing can go ahead at Navan this afternoon.

The chase races have already been abandoned due to track conditions and forecast overnight rain is putting the fixture in doubt.

Conor O'Dwyer is scheduled to be in action in the last of four maiden hurdles and it's easy to see why as Royaldou looks a good thing based on runs behind the Noel Meade pair of Mr Nosie and Sweet Wake.

Another to look out for should be Creme d'Arblay whose run behind Parliament Square at Leopardstown last Sunday was a big step up on previous form.

The €52,000 novice handicap chase final has been transferred to Naas tomorrow where Well Tutored looks a strong favourite based on a fine win at Gowran last time.

The Clonmel winner Seisium Eile could also go well over the extra trip.

Barry Geraghty, Ruby Walsh and David Casey are all in action in the novice hurdle and Geraghty may be the man to follow as he has Glenfinn Captain on his side.

Conor O'Dwyer is also taking his chance in the novice chase but it's easy to see why as Mansony looks a horse that would have made his presence felt even in Tuesday's Arkle.