Join us for the thrilling reunion of jockey Gavin Sheehan and the celebrated Hewick as they lead the charge in the Betfair Chase, setting their sights on glory at the upcoming Cheltenham Gold Cup.
In an eagerly awaited reunion, jockey Gavin Sheehan and Hewick, the current King George VI Chase champions, are poised to take center stage in Saturday’s Betfair Chase at Haydock. This will be their first joint effort since last year’s victory, with Jordan Gainford having ridden Shark Hanlon’s valuable horse in his last five races. As the jumps racing season intensifies, attention will be firmly fixed on this powerful pair as they tackle the competitive landscape and the capricious British weather.
Hewick, recognized for his daring front-running approach, narrowly missed out on victory earlier this month in the Champion Chase at Down Royal, losing to Envoi Allen in the dying moments of the race. Trainer Shark Hanlon has suggested a possible return to Kempton for the King George defense over the Christmas season, but the Betfair Chase is a vital milestone in Hewick's progression. The ultimate goal? To contend for glory in March's Cheltenham Gold Cup, where Hanlon aspires to see his standout horse reach peak performance.
Nonetheless, Hanlon is confronted with a logistical challenge—his upcoming suspension—which has necessitated changes to the planned schedule for the season. “We’ll head directly to Cheltenham after Haydock,” Hanlon disclosed. However, a more pressing issue is the weather forecast, which predicts over 20 millimeters of rain, potentially looming over the events of the weekend. Although Hewick has demonstrated significant adaptability, Hanlon remains wary of how the weather conditions could impact the imposing fences at Haydock.
Hewick's path to becoming one of the top performers in jump racing has been characterized by unwavering determination and style. His bold front-running approach and unyielding stamina frequently transform races into exhilarating events, solidifying his status as a crowd favorite. Through careful training and a steadfast relationship with his jockeys, Hewick has grown into a dependable contender on the competitive racing circuit.
“Gavin is definitely on board, and we’re hoping the rain holds off,” Hanlon stated. Over the years, Hewick has shown commendable performance on different types of ground, including a close finish in challenging conditions in France. However, Hanlon is convinced that the gelding excels on firmer surfaces. “He’s improved this year compared to last,” Hanlon noted. “He gave it his all at Down Royal and deserved a better outcome from that race. He’s stronger, sharper, and ready for an exciting season ahead.”
The Betfair Chase will act as a testing ground for the gelding's ability to face the significant challenges ahead. With the skilled jockey Sheehan, the resolute trainer Hanlon, and a horse in peak condition, everything is set for an exciting competition. Whether the rain holds off or the ground at Haydock becomes softer than preferred, this reunion is sure to create a spectacle. For Sheehan and Hewick, the Betfair Chase represents more than just a race—it’s a declaration of their ambitions for the upcoming months. Regardless of the outcome, the journey towards achieving glory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup starts here.
