Hewick books his National ticket with stylish victory 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. The victory provided a welcome lift to trainer Shark Hanlon who has recently regained his licence following a six-month ban relating to negligence in transporting a deceased horse. The ten-year-old gelding was ridden for the first time by Hanlon’s son Paddy, who sent the 11/8 favourite to the front four from home before taking control in the straight. A fine leap at the last sealed the victory as the TJ McDonald-owned gelding, who received a warm reception on returning to the winner's enclosure, galloped on strongly to beat Asterion Forlonge by five lengths. Kilcruit couldn’t find any extra from before the last to finish a further five and a half lengths back in third. Hanlon said, "TJ (McDonald, owner) had no problem with Paddy riding the horse and his own father Terry was only buried three weeks ago. So, with my own father passing away last year and my mother being here today, this is just brilliant." He added, "I left him out of Cheltenham and I'm delighted I did and the plan is now the Grand National. This will give the horse great confidence and I'm looking forward to Aintree now. "We haven't made up our minds who is riding him yet, but it'll probably be done this evening." Regarding his own return from suspension, he said: "Thanks to Tara Cogan who has been brilliant, she came in with Rachel (his partner) and we got to keep the same staff. "It was a tough time, but the public kept me going. We are back to half the numbers we had but if we win the National, we'll fill it back up! "Thanks also to John Boyle (of Boylesports) as from the very first day it (the social media posting) happened, there was never a word said. They gave me a new lorry and I think there's another one on the way." Quotes by Tom Weekes
