Hanlon hoping to firm up Hewick rider this week ‘Shark’ Hanlon expects riding arrangements to be finalised this week as Hewick prepares for the Aintree Randox Grand National early next month. Last season’s King George winner returned to winning ways when scoring over hurdles at Thurles last Saturday. The trainer’s son Paddy, who rode him then, isn’t qualified to ride at Aintree and Hanlon has said that Jordan Gainford and Gavin Sheehan are among the options for the mount in Liverpool. Speaking at Cork yesterday he said:- "Riding arrangements are going to be done this week and I'm going to pick up the phone and start making calls. “He came out of the race 100% and doesn't know he had a race. He is out in the field since: he goes out at 7.30am and comes back when it gets dark and is as fresh as a daisy. "I had him schooled over the Aintree fences two years ago as I had it in my mind to go, but went for the Gold Cup instead that year. “He is in great form and I don't think he'll have any problem with the jumping." (Tom Weekes)
