Hanlon has Irish National challenge in his thoughts for Hewick

The Boylesports Irish Grand National on Easter Monday is a possible option for Hewick, as John ‘Shark’ Hanlon eyes a return to the larger obstacles following his run at the Cheltenham Festival.

The popular 11-year-old, who famously cost a bargain €850 before taking his team on a dream adventure featuring US Grand National and King George VI Chase success, cut a bold sight for a long way in the Stayers’ Hurdle under the trainer’s son, Paddy, before eventually finishing seventh, beaten just over 10 lengths.

Hanlon was left to wonder if a lack of a run since November ultimately told in the closing stages, but now has designs on adding another major prize to the pint-sized veteran’s decorated CV at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday, if conditions prove suitable.

“Hewick has come out of Cheltenham really well, I just feel he was short of a run going into it,” said Hanlon.

“I couldn’t have been happier though with both the run and with the ride Paddy gave him, they really enjoyed themselves and get on really well together. He loved jumping and he travelled well. I just wonder if he was one piece of work short.”

He went on: “There’s plenty of options and in the Irish National he could have a lovely weight. Paddy can claim 5lb which is a big help and he might have around 11st which would be a really nice racing weight.

“Fairyhouse would be a big option for him if he gets the right ground. We’ve had so much rain here you would hope it would dry up at some point!”

Hewick is a 20-1 shot for the Irish National with the race sponsors, but also on the agenda could be the bet365 Gold Cup on the final day of the British season at Sandown.

It is a race Hewick won emphatically in 2022, before returning to land the Oaksey Chase on the same card a year later under Rachael Blackmore, with Hanlon having fond memories of his late April trips to Esher.

The Boylesports ambassador added: “There a race in Sandown he could also go for at the end of April which is a big race as well, so there’s a couple of options.

“It’s worth £175,000 and we’ve been to Sandown and enjoyed ourselves at this meeting in the past.”

Also among the 85-strong entry list for the €500,000 Irish National – the most valuable race on the Irish National Hunt calendar – are Cheltenham Festival winners Holloway Queen and Johnnywho, for Nicky Henderson and Jonjo and A J O’Neill respectively, plus Final Orders for Gavin Cromwell.