The people’s horse is back in town as Hewick is due to run at Thurles on Thursday in the 2m7f hurdle contest. It will be a nice opener for Shark Hanlon’s stable star, who will be aimed at Grade 1s later in the campaign again. He is now a 10yo but still has plenty left to offer.
Hewick had a prep for last season’s Grand National with a win at Thurles over hurdles under Paddy Hanlon, who is coming back to Ireland from his new base at Nicky Henderson’s to ride him on the day.
Shark Hanlon said: “The plan is to definitely to run at Thurles on Thursday and he could go to Down Royal afterwards. We’d like to give him a nice run over hurdles on his first run back. He’s in great form and Paddy is coming back to ride him, which is great and he’ll take 7lb off him.”
Hewick certainly owes his connections nothing as the 800 quid buy has landed major successes including the bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate and the American Grand National, while his best day came in 2023 when he won the King George VI Chase at Kempton under Gavin Sheehan.
Hanlon added: “The King George will definitely be on our minds but we’ll take things as they go. He seems to be in great form and as good as he ever was, so we’re looking forward to getting him out.”
Hewick could be a very warm order for his assignment at Thurles on Thursday but he looks sure to improve for the outing too.
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