Green Grand National Horses

Considering what he has ultimately achieved, it seems amazing that it took Hewick twelve races under Rules before he recorded his first victory. That first success came in a handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan from a handicap mark of just 94. Hewick is currently rated 168 over fences so Shark Hanlon has improved the gelding by a massive 74lb from that first win.  After that first victory, Hewick’s career was still fairly low-key with four victories in his next eleven starts. Hanlon’s decision to run in the Bet365 Gold Cup two seasons ago looked ambitious but Hewick responded brilliantly to the occasion and ran out a comfortable eight length winner of the 90k race. That Sandown win set the Hewick snowball rolling and since then he has won the Galway Plate and the American Grand National as well as being an unlucky loser (fell at the last) in the Kerry National. However, perhaps the highlight so far of his career was his excellent effort in last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup where he was sent off an relatively unconsidered 40/1 shot but was still in there pitching when taking a heavy fall at the second last.  A trip to Sandown beckoned after the Gold Cup and Hewick was an easy winner there of a 46k Grade 2 chase. Hanlon also sent his charge over to the French Champion Hurdle where he finished an honourable fourth. The Grand National had been under consideration last season and looks highly likely to be high on the agenda in 2024.  This globetrotting sensation is a tribute to all concerned and is undoubtedly one of the stand out characters on the current National Hunt scene.