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Hewick’s Grand National Quest: A 25/1 Contender’s Journey Under Trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon
The Grand National, scheduled for April 2025, is one of the most prestigious events in the horse racing calendar. Among the contenders, Hewick, trained by John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, stands out with odds of 25/1. We take a look into Hewick’s racing history, recent form, and assesses his prospects for success in the upcoming Grand National.
Hewick’s Racing Background
Hewick began his racing career as a four-year-old in early 2019, initially participating in point-to-point races. Despite a challenging start, he secured his first victory over hurdles at Kilbeggan in September 2020, followed by another win at Navan two weeks later. Transitioning to chasing in June 2021, Hewick won a beginners’ chase at Clonmel, marking the start of a promising career over fences.
Notable Achievements
Hewick’s career is highlighted by several significant victories:
- Durham National (October 2021): He claimed victory at Sedgefield over a distance of 3 miles and 5 furlongs, showcasing his stamina and jumping prowess.
- Bet365 Gold Cup (April 2022): Starting as a 16/1 outsider, Hewick triumphed at Sandown, defeating notable competitors by eight lengths.
- Galway Plate (July 2022): He secured another major win, further establishing his reputation in the racing community.
- American Grand National (October 2022): Hewick ventured to the United States and won the 2m 5f Grand National Hurdle Stakes at Far Hills, New Jersey, by an impressive 11½ lengths.
- King George VI Chase (December 2023): In a dramatic race at Kempton, Hewick overcame early challenges to clinch victory, solidifying his status among elite chasers.
Recent Form
Hewick’s recent form reads as 232571, this reflecting a mix of performances:
- 2nd Place: In the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil (French Champion Hurdle) in May 2024, Hewick finished second, demonstrating his versatility over hurdles.
- 3rd Place: He secured third in the Punchestown Gold Cup in April 2024, competing against top-tier horses.
- 2nd Place: At Down Royal in November 2024, Hewick narrowly missed victory in the Champion Chase, finishing half a length behind Envoi Allen.
- 5th Place: In the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown in December 2024, he finished fifth, indicating a dip in form.
- 7th Place: Competing in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February 2025, Hewick finished seventh, raising concerns about his current form.
- 1st Place: He returned to winning ways in a hurdle race at Thurles in March 2025, suggesting a potential resurgence ahead of the 2025 Grand National.
Trainer Profile: John ‘Shark’ Hanlon
John Joseph Hanlon, affectionately known as ‘Shark’, is a prominent figure in Irish horse racing. Based in County Carlow, Hanlon has trained numerous winners over the years. His training record over the last five seasons includes:
- Hurdle Races: 36 wins from 910 runs
- Chase Races: 18 wins from 261 runs
- National Hunt Flat Races: 5 wins from 164 runs
Hewick stands out as one of his most successful trainees, with a peak Racing Post Rating (RPR) of 168 in chases.
Assessing Hewick’s Grand National Prospects
Hewick’s blend of stamina, jumping ability, and experience over extended distances positions him as a strong contender for the Grand National. His previous victories in long-distance chases, such as the Durham National and Bet365 Gold Cup, highlight his capability to handle the demanding Aintree course.
However, his recent form presents a mixed picture. While his win at Thurles in March 2025 is encouraging, the preceding unplaced efforts raise questions about his consistency. Factors such as ground conditions, race-day health, and the quality of the competition will significantly influence his performance.
Conclusion
With current odds of 25/1, Hewick offers potential value for punters seeking an experienced and capable chaser. Under the guidance of ‘Shark’ Hanlon, his journey to the Grand National epitomizes the unpredictability and excitement inherent in horse racing. As the race approaches, enthusiasts will keenly watch to see if Hewick can etch his name into Aintree folklore.
