Thrifty purchase by Hewick, the King George Champion, sets sights on an impressive hat-trick in major races.
Shark Hanlon acknowledges the credentials of his King George-winning star Hewick, who has been handed the prestigious top-weight of 11st 12lb for the upcoming Randox Grand National at Aintree on April 13. Among the 87 contenders for the extended four-and-a-quarter-mile event, Hewick stands out as the frontrunner.
While a showdown at the Cheltenham Gold Cup awaits next month, Hanlon is optimistic about Hewick's chances in the big races, eyeing a remarkable treble in the pinnacle events of the staying chase calendar. Reflecting on the weight allocation, Hanlon expressed,
"I knew he’d have top-weight. You have to expect that. He probably deserves top-weight".
Hanlon is confident that Hewick's stamina will be well-suited for the Grand National, with the Gold Cup as a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal. Excited about the prospect, Hanlon shared,
"It’s a mighty day. It’s one of those days you look forward to all year. The National, the Gold Cup and the King George at Kempton – they’re the three big days in England aren’t they, so it’s great to have a runner there".
Despite Hewick's pedigree at Grade One level and his impressive track record in handicaps, Hanlon underlines that favourable ground conditions are crucial for his contender's success. With a revised safety limit of 34, the weight differences among competitors are minimal, narrowing the gap between Hewick and others in the field.
Looking ahead to the Grand National, last year's winner Corach Rambler faces a new challenge with an allocated weight of 11st 2lb, while contenders like Conflated, Noble Yeats, and Capodanno gear up for a competitive showdown at Aintree. With safety changes implemented by Aintree leading to a smaller field this year, the competition promises to be intense, with several entries vying for a coveted spot in the final lineup.
As the anticipation builds for the iconic Grand National, the stage is set for an enthralling battle among the top contenders, each aiming to etch their name in the annals of horse racing history.