Hanlon issues update on Hewick A return trip to Far Hills to defend his American Grand National crown is on the cards for Hewick, with the Gold Cup at Cheltenham his long term aim. The likeable 'Shark' Hanlon trained eight-year-old was running a huge race when falling two out in the blue riband event at Cheltenham, winning the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase on his next start at Sandown. Then a fine fourth at the highest level over flights at Auteuil in May, he since disappointed when 14th in the Galway Plate. Speaking at Downpatrick on Monday afternoon, Hanlon gave an update on his stable star, saying: "He is out in the paddock still, he is with the owner. He is enjoying life. "We are going to talk over the weekend. The plan was to bring him in on the 1st of September and maybe go back to America with him. I'd say he will be in next week and we are looking forward to it. "The long-term aim is next March for Cheltenham. "We will run at Leopardstown over Christmas, maybe, or in February. Then we are going to chance going back for a Gold Cup, sure we had a good day the last time." Additional reporting by Michael Graham
