3 minute read
Man of the moment Gavin Sheehan looks set to partner Hewick for the first time in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
With regular rider Jordon Gainford out of action due to injury and Rachael Blackmore, who won the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown on him booked to ride at Leopardstown over Christmas, trainer Shark Hanlon was on the search for a new jockey.
Brian Hughes rode Hewick last-time-out in the Galway Plate, but the champion jockey was also unavailable due to other commitments.
It's therefore no surprise to see connections turn to Gavin Sheehan, arguably the most in-form jockey in the weighing room at present following victories in last month's Coral Gold Cup at Newbury on Datsalrightgino and a never-say-die ride on Fugitif in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Hanlon said: "We're just after sorting it this (Thursday) morning – Gavin Sheehan is going to ride,"
"I know he had the chance of a good book of rides somewhere else, so I wasn't sure if he'd ride him or not, but he came back this morning and said, 'the horse has as good a chance as any other horse in the race and I'd love to ride him', which is great.
"He's a jockey in great form, he knows the track and he knows the English horses, so it's great to have him on board."
The son of Virtual has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks since winning a handicap hurdle off a mark of 94 at Kilbeggan in August 2020, with the Hanlon-trained eight-year-old landing prestigious prizes such as the bet365 Gold Cup, the Galway Plate and the American Grand National.
Hewick may have been well-beaten when attempting to defend his crown in the Galway Plate in August, but Hanlon said he couldn't be happy heading into his Grade 1 assignment at Kempton on Boxing Day.
"He went to the local point-to-point track this morning as the ground is beautiful and he jumped 12 fences. All the work is done, I just need to get him there now." He added:
"I've been on to the shipping crew, who tell me the winds are due to die down on Friday night, so we're booked on the boat on Saturday morning.
"He's in right good form. It's his first run of the season, which you're always afraid of, but he runs well fresh, so fingers crossed.
"Allaho is the one they all have to beat. It looks like there's a few in there that like to make the running – I'd say there'll be savage pace in it – but the great thing about our horse is we can ride him however we want."
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