Hewick and Hanlon back in business, with sights set on Aintree

All roads lead to the Randox Grand National for Hewick after he roared back to winning ways with an impressive success in the Jimmy Neville Memorial Hurdle at Thurles.

Back in the care of Shark Hanlon, the 2024 King George hero – famously bought for just €800 – was ridden for the first time by the trainer’s son, Paddy, 17, who took 7lb off the popular 10-year-old’s back.

Making a rare appearance outside of Grade One company, Hewick travelled sweetly throughout and swept to the front three from home.

He opened up going to two out and there was no doubting the result from there, as he came home five lengths clear of Asterion Forlonge.

An emotional Hanlon was recording his first success since the lifting of the suspension he was handed after being found to have acted in a manner that “caused significant prejudice to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of the sport of racing” in the removal of a dead horse from his yard last year.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Paddy got to ride him as he is minding him for the last five or six years. He has been schooling him and it is great to be able to give him the opportunity

“T J (McDonald, owner) had no problem with Paddy riding the horse and his own father Terry was only buried three weeks ago. So, with my own father passing away last year and my mother being here today, this is just brilliant.

“It’s my first winner back and hopefully it’s onwards and upwards. Today was the biggest pressure I’ve had in my life. I couldn’t be happier and I couldn’t be happier with the horse. He loves that ground, he’s a different horse on it.

“I left him out of Cheltenham and I’m delighted I did and the plan is now the Grand National. This will give the horse great confidence and I’m looking forward to Aintree now. We haven’t made up our minds who is riding him yet, but it’ll probably be done this evening.

“His bits of work at home, he’s after getting very strong. I’m delighted with that run going into an English National."

Hanlon added: “Paddy gave him a lovely ride. He couldn’t pull him up and that’s a good sign. I don’t think he’ll have any bother with the trip (at Aintree). Ground is key, we schooled him over Aintree fences last year, but I changed my mind.”

He added: “It’s great to be back, I couldn’t be happier. I could just do with a few more horses.

“Thanks to Tara Cogan, who has been brilliant (while Hanlon’s licence was suspended). She came in with Rachel (Hanlon’s partner) and we got to keep the same staff.

“It was a tough time, but the public kept me going. We are back to half the numbers we had, but if we win the National we’ll fill it back up!”