Gavin Sheehan column: Saturday rides plus Grand National hopes

This week at Hereford I brought up my 92nd winner of the season (before nabbing another at Southwell on Thursday to take me to 93!) which means this is officially my best-ever season. I never thought I’d be reaching numbers this high, and I’m very humbled. If you’d have offered me this many winners at the start of the season, I’d have taken that in a heartbeat, but now we’re here with a few weeks to go in the I’ll be aiming to bring up a first century. 

As was announced this week, I’ve picked up the ride on Hewick in the next weekend, which is obviously very exciting. He’s a fantastic racehorse, which he’s proved, and although he’s not the biggest and best-looking horse, it just shows how much heart and determination he has because he’s not won his races in such gutsy style. Shark Hanlon obviously thinks he has a very good chance in the race, so it will be really exciting come next weekend. 

This is a rare weekend off in the competition this weekend, before the final positions are settled next Friday at Aintree. I’ll be there hoping to solidify my current sixth, and take home the cash that comes with it! 

This weekend I’m at Uttoxeter, though, and have three chances there. Stone’s Throw (2.45) is a horse I rode last time out at Ludlow and I actually thought he showed me a fair bit of ability despite finishing sixth that day, so I think he could have a good squeak here. 

Everything’sontick (4.30) I haven’t ridden since 2023, but I think he could have a chance in this if he retains the ability he once had. Emerald Warrior (5.40) runs in the bumper and is not a horse I know plenty about, but it is great to get the ride for my old weighing room mate Dominic Elsworth.