Stable Star Aimed At King George Return
Shark Hanlon has sounded a positive update on Hewick ahead of his trip across the Irish Sea for Saturday’s Charlie Hall Chase.
Hanlon’s stable star was back in the winners’ enclosure this month following an outing over hurdles at Thurles and is one of six declared for Saturday’s showpiece over the larger obstacles at Wetherby.
BOYLE Sports rates Hewick a 10/3 second favourite for the assignment, with the Dan Skelton-trained Protektorat chalked up as 2/1 favourite.
Speaking exclusively to stable partner, BOYLE Sports, Shark Hanlon said:
"We were delighted with Hewick at Thurles, it was great to get his head in front under Paddy, and it's set him up perfectly for the Charlie Hall this weekend. We're confident he’ll do us proud, even with Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton holding strong hands. He's come into this season in terrific nick.”
The pint-sized 10-year-old will be ridden by Gavin Sheehan in Saturday’s contest, under whom he recorded his biggest career success in the King George VI Chase in 2023. Now his Muine Bheag based handler is confident that another big outing at Kempton could be on the cards this Christmas.
“If all goes well at Wetherby, we're looking at a return to Kempton on Boxing Day,” Shark added. “There's no reason not to think he’s as good, if not even better than two years ago."
Charlie Hall Chase - EW ¼ 1,2
2/1 Protektorat
10/3 Hewick
4/1 Pic D’Orhy
4/1 Djelo
7/1 The Real Whacker
14/1 Ga Law
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*Prices are subject to fluctuation
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