Hewick Was Given the Opportunity to Compete in the Hurdle at Aintree

Trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon is considering different possibilities for the JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle due to challenging conditions at Aintree before the three-day Grand National. Hewick, the unexpected contender, emerges as a heroic figure in King George's eyes.

The nine-year-old, purchased for €850, has gained immense popularity as a racehorse. It has triumphed in the Galway Plate and American Grand National, establishing itself as a top-tier competitor.

Following a successful performance at Kempton on Boxing Day, Hanlon's ambitions to enter Hewick in both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Randox Grand National this spring have encountered obstacles. As a result, he is currently seeking an alternative race in Merseyside for Thursday's Aintree Bowl.

The trainer from County Carlow is cautious about subjecting his top horse to the unfavourable conditions expected on Thursday, so he believes opting for easier hurdles is a suitable choice.

"I have no concerns about running him over hurdles," Hanlon confidently stated, emphasising his versatility as both a hurdler and a chaser.

The Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle has the potential to generate unprecedented sales figures. The 24 early entrants include impressive newcomers such as Slade Steel, the champion of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, and Caldwell Potter, a debutant from Paul Nicholls.

This season, Elliott's Discovered A Fifty and Willie Mullins' Il Etait Temps have been in close competition, and they may have another encounter in the My Pension Expert Maghull Novices' Chase, the last of three Grade Ones on the Grand National day schedule.