The Shark Hanlon trained Hewick was victorious in today's Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton.
The horse, who cost Hanlon €850 and was ridden by Gavin Sheehan, came from first to last place, with Carlow man Hanlon cutting a delighted figure in his post-race interview and even finding a cheeky dig for Ruby Walsh.
It had looked for all the world that Shishskin would come out on top in the race, but he unseated jockey Nico de Boinville after the second last hurdle, before Hewick (12-1) came charging through to take the race from Allaho and Bravemansgame.
Shark Hanlon Slags Off Ruby Walsh's Predictions
“It’s unreal," Hanlon said.
Coming out of the back I thought we’d definitely be in the first three because he was just getting into a rhythm and just getting going. They were going plenty hard in front.
We knew coming here there were three or four front-runners and if we were able to lay up with them we’d be happy.
He cost £800 and I was watching a programme in the week and Ruby [Walsh] knocked him and I said ‘we’re flying now’ because every time Ruby knocks him we win!
Straight to Cheltenham now. It’s probably the wrong race as he should go for the English National but there is only one Gold Cup.
READ HERE: Ruby Walsh Showed 'His Steel' After One Of Cheltenham's Most Dramatic Moments
Shark Hanlon is a very, VERY happy man! 🇮🇪
🗨️ "Coming out of the back, I said we'd definitely be in the front three."
🗨️ "£800 he cost!"
🗨️ "Every time Ruby knocks him, he wins!"#Kempton | #VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/FfIe2C2ZsY
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2023
SHISKIN' ELL! 😲
IT'S HEWICK - FROM LAST TO FIRST! A Shishkin slip late on opens the field and Hewick comes from nowhere to push past Allaho and Bravemansgame.
An extraordinary stumble leads to a stunning victory! #Kempton | #VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/1qxeuJbsuw
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2023
"If it wasn’t the King George, I probably would have pulled up!", jockey Gavin Sheehan said after the race.
“I knew that he stays and stays and I just wasn’t able to get going. There’s only a certain amount of questions you can ask them and if they’re not responding, you can’t ask.
“Shark said he’s probably the smallest horse here but he’s got the biggest heart and that perfectly sums him up.
“I was absolutely delighted to get the call from Shark [to ride], it was a no-brainer. To come here and do it like that was amazing.”
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