John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, the mastermind behind Hewick’s rise to fame, envisions triumph in the French Champion Hurdle. From a mere €850 purchase, Hewick has amassed over £430,000 in prize money, conquering prestigious races like the Galway Plate, American Grand National, and Oaksey Chase. John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s journey alongside his remarkable steed, Hewick, has taken them across the globe, and now, with quiet confidence, they anticipate another momentous victory in the upcoming French Champion Hurdle on Saturday.

In the past two years, the eight-year-old sensation has achieved astounding success, including wins in the bet365 Gold Cup, American Grand National, Galway Plate, and most recently, the Oaksey Chase at Sandown. Given that he was acquired for a meager €850, this accomplishment is truly remarkable, particularly considering his near-miss in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, where he fell at the second-last fence while poised for a strong finish.

“He has been an exceptional asset to our racing endeavors and has been our shining star for quite some time,” Hanlon expressed to Sky Sports Racing in an interview with them. “He is adored by all the young lads in the yard, and we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have him. Whenever we push him to his limits, he never disappoints. In the Gold Cup, he had a momentary lapse, as he tends to do in every race. Jordan [Gainford] mentioned that he was regaining momentum before the fence, and that was the cause of his fall. One thing we know for certain about this horse is that he would have powered through until the top of the hill. Rachael [Blackmore] did a fantastic job riding him, and we were fortunate to have a capable substitute like her when Jordan faced unfortunate injuries. This time, Hewick faces a different challenge, with a longer distance similar to the Gold Cup and likely softer ground.

While the softer ground might not be ideal for Hanlon’s star, who typically performs better on firmer Going, the larger hurdles in France could potentially work in their favor.

The race includes four contenders from Willie Mullins’ stable, among them Grade One winner Klassical Dream, Kilcruit, Asterion Forlonge, as well as Feronily and dual Stayers’ Hurdle champion Flooring Porter under Gavin Cromwell’s guidance. “We took Hewick for schooling this morning in Chantilly,” Hanlon added. “He effortlessly cleared 10 or 12 hurdles without a single mistake. The hurdles here and in America aren’t quite like traditional hurdles or fences. People have been discussing the ground, which isn’t ideal, but we inspected the track an hour ago. Initially, we found it lovely and leaning towards the softer side of good, but then they went ahead and watered it! The less water on the track, the better, but we’re here now, and we have to seize the opportunity. It’s an exceptionally competitive race, with half the field consisting of Irish contenders and an English horse in the mix. Willie has four runners, and we all know they are never to be taken lightly.

“In addition, there’s Flooring Porter, the defending champion, ensuring a spirited pace throughout the race. There won’t be any leisurely moments, and missing a hurdle could spell trouble, so any of Willie’s four horses could emerge victorious. The only concern I have is if they over water the ground. That’s the only aspect that worries me, but Hewick is here, in excellent form, and ready to contend.

The winner and the runner-up from the last race are also in the mix, making it a truly competitive event. Emmett Mullins has a contender of his own, adds another layer of unpredictability. We can’t gauge the potential of his young horse just yet. It’s an open race, but we’ve earned our place here. The distance suits Hewick perfectly, and the condition of the ground might even work to our advantage. Hewick has proven his staying power time and time again. With determination in our hearts, we approach the French Champion Hurdle ready to knock on victory’s door.

As the anticipation builds and the competitors gather at the starting line, Hanlon’s belief in Hewick remains unshakable. The journey they have embarked upon, from a modest purchase to a record-breaking sensation, has been a testament to their unwavering dedication and the extraordinary talent of their equine partner. With the roar of the crowd in the air and the thrill of the race coursing through their veins, Hanlon and Hewick stand united, ready to give their all in pursuit of another remarkable triumph. The French Champion Hurdle awaits, a stage set for greatness.