RACING: Hedgehunter's Gowran Park heroics saw him jump to the head of the Martell Cognac Grand National market, just hours after the entries were announced.
The gelding was one of 122 entries revealed yesterday for the £600,000 Aintree showpiece with previous winners Monty's Pass and Bindaree entered once again. Both were quoted as best priced 20 to 1 and 25 to 1, respectively.
Six of last year's eight finishers have been entered once more, along with the likes of high-class French raider First Gold, Valley Henry, Harbour Pilot, Fondmort, Artic Jack, What's Up Boys and Swansea Bay.
Rince Ri, an eye-catching second at Fairyhouse on Sunday, and 2002 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Commanche Court, are part of a 30-strong entry from Ireland. Trainer Ted Walsh - successful in 2000 with Papillon - is hoping to run both horses at Liverpool. "I definitely hope that Commanche Court and Rince Ri run at Aintree in the National," he said. "I just hope that the handicapper is kind to them and am of course looking forward to the race.
"One of them will come over to England this weekend (for the Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham) - probably Rince Ri."
Ireland's challenge for the April 3rd bonanza is strengthened through the progressive What Odds, who races in the same ownership as last year's hero Monty's Pass, while Mullins has six others to choose from in addition to Hedgehunter. Davids Lad and Timbera, winners of the Irish Grand National in 2001 and 2003, add further weight to the challenge from this country.
