Grand National Heroes: Hedgehunter
April 13th, 2008Earlier this week the news was released that the 2005 Grand National winner Hedgehunter had been retired.
The Trevor Hemmings owned twelve year old had sustained a slight injury in the race this year but still managed to finish 13th but connections felt that the time was right to retire this most consistent of recent Grand National performers.
Hedgehunters complete Aintree Record
2004 Fell (at the last fence having run a great race and still being booked for a place)
2005 WON (One of the easiest winners of a Grand National in recent times with previous National winners Bindaree, Amberleigh House and Monty’s Pass well beaten)
2006 2nd (beaten just over six lengths by Numbersixvalverde with 11 stone 12 lbs)
2007 9th
2008 13th
In addition to his Aintree triumph Hedgehunter recorded four other career victories and nearly £800,000 in win and place prize money and finished runner up to War Of Attrition in a Cheltenham Gold Cup.
He was one of the best National winners in recent years and we wish him a happy retirement. Copy and paste the link below into your browser for highlights of Hedgehunter’s finest hour when winning the 2005 Grand National.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_4420000/newsid_4428600/4428669.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&ms3=6&ms_javascript=true&bbcws=2
Sneak Says:
April 13th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I love that horse - couldn’t help myself backing him every year in the Grand National - He always finished. Happy retirement Hedgehunter.
Stephen Says:
April 14th, 2008 at 7:35 am
The best Grand National winner I have ever seen. I’m only 22 before everyone starts saying otherwise ha ha.
The best ride I have seen given in a Grand National. Ruby was brilliant that day.
Great memories I shall always keep with me.
kj Says:
April 14th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
a true great national horse!
glad he can go and enjoy his retirement.
could have won back to back nationals if he hadn’t gone to cheltenham to finish 2nd in the gold cup.
being 12 and not having won in 2yrs I thought it was harsh to give him so much weight this year
its so unfair, the best horse should be allowed to win and it is for this reason
I propose a second and fair “champion of champions grand national” for previous winners and placed horses,
all with the same weight onboard, sounds good ey.
I hate seeing the heroes of this race having to carry so much weight
giving them no chance of winning again but almost certainly you’ll see them plodding home
I love ole Hedgey!!!