Hewick recorded his first win since a memorable success in the King George VI Chase at Kempton back in 2023 and is firmly on course for the Randox Grand National after taking the Jimmy Neville Memorial Hurdle in fine style at Thurles.
There were plenty of short-priced favourites turned over at Cheltenham during the week and the trend continued at Thurles where Common Practice upset the odds in the featured Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase.
In a week of poignant and popular successes, Mr Vango continued the theme as he defied top-weight to continue his excellent season and claim the JenningsBet Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.
Tim Toe got his career off to the perfect start when making an impressive winning debut in the www.thurlesraces.ie (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.
Nicky Henderson expects to run Jonbon next at Aintree after his Festival defeat.
My Racing StorySponsored By Tote
I'm from Rathmullan in Co Donegal and I started off in my grandfather's riding school. I spent all my time there really. I rode about 30 winners pony racing. I rode for my grandfather first and for most of the lads up around Donegal. They were all very good to me after he passed away in 2015 and they all gave me a hand out. You can see the results in the weigh room - anyone who is riding winners week in and week out has been there and done it in pony racing. Those ponies take a bit of riding when you are 16 and under. When my grandfather died, I spent another year in school and then I moved down to Jim Bolger's after that.
This year’s Cheltenham Festival has all the ingredients to be one of the best renewals in recent times.
A fit and well Constitution Hill - at his peak the best hurdler I have seen - versus a potentially exceptional mare in receipt of seven pounds is the opening day clash all jumps fans have been dreaming of. Throw into the mix last year’s winner of the race, and despite the small field, the Champion Hurdle promises to be the best renewal in two decades.
Douvan's new life after racing
The popular racing superstar is happily enjoying his retirement with Clare Ricketts
By Gary Carson - SPINNING WEB may be able to follow up after a good win over course and distance nine days ago. The Mag Mullins-trained gelding appreciated stepping up to this trip then having been narrowly denied over two miles at this venue on his previous visit. Lilian Bland also comes here in winning form, having scored in good style at Navan a fortnight ago. She’s versatile ground-wise but her best form is probably on softer. Irish Impulse won twice in November but weakened tamely enough when last seen at Naas in December. After a little break he has to be respected.
