THIS is the absolutely brilliant moment big Grand National fancy Hewick pops down to his local for a pint.
The recent US Grand National winner – who is short as 16-1 for next April’s Aintree showpiece – was led in by trainer Shark Hanlon.
So… a horse walks into a bar pic.twitter.com/QVs9Z4ScZU
— John Hanlon Racing (@jhanlonracing) October 31, 2022
Trainer Shark Hanlon walks into the pub with his superstar horse Hewick
The legendary trainer asks for a pint of Guinness as stunned drinkers take in the sight of the horse in the boozer
Stunned punters get their phone out to record the bonkers scene, as Hanlon shouts out ‘can I get a pint of Guinness now?’
Bought for just £800, Hewick has been a sensation on the track, transformed by a trainer with a knack for turning run-of-the-mill runners into superstars.
Hewick has won just under quarter of a million quid from his past three runs.
And in the other he looked the winner until unseating his rider at the last in the Kerry Grand National.
Victory there would have added another £100,000 to the coffers.
But a win in the American version of the Grand National earlier this month more than made up for that mishap.
With another £111,000 in the bank after victory at Far Hills, Shark decided now was the time to put Hewick back among the people.
So the Irish trainer popped down his local with the star of the moment.
Punters were absolutely loving the scenes, reminiscent of what Ginger McCain did with the iconic Red Rum.
One said: “I am actually crying.”
Another commented: “A shark and a horse walked into a bar… which one drank the Guinness?”
A fellow Twitter user posted: “The bartender goes, ‘why the long face?'”
Another comment read: “So many reasons why I love Ireland.”
One punter wrote: “My kind of bar.”
While another said: “What a boy! An owner’s dream.”
Hanlon has been busy celebrating Hewick conquering America – and said his stable star is gaining a global following.
Shark – whose real first name is John – said: “This horse is a legend and is starting to get a huge following.”
Next up for Hewick is the Gold Cup at Cheltenham Festival, where he will take on the likes of superstars A Plus Tard and, possibly, Galopin Des Champs.