Speaking exclusively to Readhorseracing.com, John ‘Shark’ Hanlon is relishing the opportunity to run stable star Hewick in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham next week.
After costing just €850 back in 2017, it must have been hard to imagine winning a King George and running in a Grand National with Hewick, but the fairytale isn’t over yet.
The talented and ultra-versatile horse is all systems go ahead of a tilt at the Stayers’ Hurdle next week at Cheltenham.
Hewick ‘Set’ For Stayers’ Hurdle After Christmas Wind Op
Hewick underwent wind surgery after his run at Newbury in November last year, but he’s fit and ready to go now;
“He worked last week in the Curragh and we were very happy with him. Our only thought was if he is fit enough as he got a wind op around Christmas and needed some time off, but he’s definitely set for the Stayers’. Paddy rides him, which would be some story if he hopefully wins.”
Connections will be hoping that the rain holds off between now and Cheltenham so Hewick will have his ideal racing conditions.
With two wins from three attempts on Hewick, Shark’s son Paddy will retain the ride once again and you can watch it live on ITV Racing.
WATCH: Paddy Hanlon Steers Hewick To Victory At Thurles
Hewick proves a popular winner with a vintage jumping performance to bolt up and take the Jimmy Neville Memorial Hurdle@PaddyHanlon5 | @jhanlonracing pic.twitter.com/HIfeZiDCNx
— Thurles Racecourse (@thurlesraces) March 15, 2025
Has Hewick Ran At The Cheltenham Festival Before?
Yes, Hewick has one ran once at the Cheltenham Festival and was desperately unlucky to fall two out in the 2023 Gold Cup.
Turning into the home straight, the bargain purchase was still just about on the bridle and held every chance of winning.
He was also due to run in the 2024 edition of the race but was a non runner due to soft ground. With temperatures rising, conditions could play into his hands if the ground comes up dry on Stayers’ Hurdle day (Thursday 12th March)
It’s fair to say that trainer Hanlon has never been afraid to run his horse, whether it’s in America or Auteuil – Hewick has been everywhere. One of his biggest days came when he won the American Grand National at Far Hills back in 2022.
He also ran his heart out with a runner-up effort in the French Champion Hurdle but if he can reproduce the quality of his special King George win then there’s a good chance he could serve it up to one of the Cheltenham Festival favourites in Teahupoo.
WATCH: Hewick Comes From Last To First To Win King George
Hewick Career Stats
- Age: 11
- Runs: 47
- Wins: 12
- 2nds: 8
- 3rds: 2
- Career earnings: £789,323
The Cheltenham Festival prize money sees the Stayers’ Hurdle as the fifth-most expensive race, with £182,878 going to the winner.
Stayers’ Hurdle Betting Odds
- Teahupoo 15/8
- Honesty Policy 4/1
- Bob Olinger 6/1
- Kabral Du Mathan 6/1
- Ma Shantou 7/1
- Impose Toi 10/1
- Ballyburn 16/1
- Hewick 20/1
- Wodhooh 25/1
- The Yellow Clay 33/1
- 33/1 bar
