It’s not normal for the Galway Plate winner to be talked up as one to watch for the Grand National, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.
However, those who backed Hewick in July should certainly consider reinvesting some of their winnings in John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s fairytale story.
Hewick was bred in Ireland and is a five-year-old bay gelding. He stands at 17 hands high and is well-built, with a strong hindquarters and a powerful gait.
He was sired by a well-known stallion and his dam was a successful racehorse, which gives him a strong pedigree.
Since his debut, Hewick has been impressing trainers and fans alike with his speed, agility, and tenacity. He has won several races, including the Welsh National and the Becher Chase.
He was bought by Hanlon in local sales for just €850, but has gone on to bring in nearly €500,000 for his owner since then, including the small matter of €159,300 for winning the Galway Plate.
For those not following the fortunes of Hewick since the Galway Plate, let’s bring you up to speed.
He looked well on course for another big win in September, when vying for the lead in the Kerry National, before unseating Jordan Gainford at the last.
This was a rare blip though, as jockey and horse reunited less than a month later to win the American Grand National in New Jersey by over 11 lengths.
The American Grand National, staged at the Far Hills race meeting each fall in New Jersey, is run over a trip of 2 5/8m over 14 hurdles.
The race has a prize value of $500,000 and is one of the most important steeplechases in the US.
Could Hewick land on the big ones?
That’s the last we saw of Hewick, although Hanlon says that was always the plan, with the small matter of the Cheltenham Gold Cup next on the list, before his tilt at the Grand National.
Hewick is currently priced up at 20/1 for the Gold Cup, and don’t be surprised to see him featuring in Grand National predictions at 25/1 either.
The Grand National, which takes place annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England, is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.
It is a steeplechase race that involves jumping over large obstacles, such as fences and ditches, in order to reach the finish line. The race is approximately four miles long and is widely considered to be the ultimate test of a horse’s ability and endurance.
