Great National Heroes No1: Hedgehunter

My favourite chaser (before Denman was even thought of) has been retired today. Im talking of course about the noble Hedgehunter. He is only twelve so should hopefully have a long and happy retirement & I look forward to seeing him each year in the past winners parade of the Grand National before the race itself. He of course won it in 2005 which is incidently the last time I backed the National winner.

Of course I am a little happy about this news because now I don't feel guilty tipping another horse for the National!! Loyalty isn't always rewarded folks. Anyway I had the pleasure of seeing my boy just once in the flesh in the 2004 National. I was there with my mam & a bunch of mates for the weekend for my 21st bday. It was love at first sight. It was his big boxy, old-fashioned looking head that did it for me. And he is simply massive in the girth - plenty of lung power! Anyway I backed him & he had a tired fall at the last when looking the winner so the following year I had him at nice odds antepost despite everyone thinking I was crazy - you know who you are! - & he romped home. Since then I've had him antepost every year. Sadly not any more.

What will I do now you cry. Well, I'm sweet on King John's Castle at this stage who caught my eye this year when second and if Denman shows up?? Do I REALLY have to spell it out?!

Ciao for now

TJ