Gavin Sheehan: I've been dreaming of winning the National since I was kid

There is no better feeling than having a ride in the Randox - it’s the race that everybody watches and ever since I was a kid and getting into racing I always wanted to ride in the National . . . and hopefully win it. 

The feeling is something I’ve imagined a million times over, even when building jumps in the garden as a child and pretending I was riding in the race itself. It’s a big buzz going into the race, but probably more so this year being on a horse like Hewick. 

Your head isn’t in the race until you get on your horse and out of the parade ring - that’s when it really starts. Beforehand you’re full of emotion, be that nerves or excitement and everything else in between. It’s not a normal race, whatever some might say. 

It’s a difficult race to plan for and have a solid game plan because there are so many unknowns and variables that can have an impact on you. So, you’ve got to ride the race accordingly and react. 

Having said that, my plan is to be in the top 10 and have a bit of light in front of me - I don’t want to be on the heels of anyone.

Once we’re in a nice rhythm then we can look to make moves, but we know he’s a horse that is all stamina so if he’s coming round the Canal Turn in the first five then he’s going to have a real good chance. 

Yes, it’s a race that you need luck in to win, but he fits the profile of a National horse. We know he can jump, considering that he’s a small horse - RaceiQ have him as the best jumper in the field according to their Jump Index, so that’s nice to know! 

Even if I wasn’t riding him, I have to admit I’d still be rooting for Hewick. He’s the sort of horse that if he went and won, they’d make a movie about him. 

With Friday marking the end of the David Power Jockeys’ Cup, I’ll be off on holiday pretty soon and enjoying summer with some money in my pocket.

It’s a fantastic bonus at the end of a great season and believe me, that money is there to be enjoyed now. My wife and I will be making sure we have a brilliant summer with little Teddy and making it one to remember. 

Fingers crossed we can go away still celebrating a win on the biggest stage of them all!