It was a race for the history books as Shishkin unseated his jockey with victory in sight, allowing Hewick to come from behind and clinch an incredible victory at odds of 549-1.
From Last to First
Trainer Shark Hanlon had struggled to find a jockey for his Guinness-drinking star horse, Hewick, just days before the race. But Gavin Sheehan proved to be the perfect match, delivering a stunning ride that propelled Hewick from dead last to first place after Shishkin's unfortunate mishap at the second-last fence.
The Stunning Turn of Events
As the former Supreme winner, trained by Nicky Henderson, made it over the penultimate flight, he appeared to slip and unseat jockey Nico de Boinville. Meanwhile, Hewick, who had been trailing far behind, surged forward with incredible speed, overtaking the two frontrunners to secure a sensational victory.
A Jockey's Triumph
Gavin Sheehan, who had already claimed victories in the December Gold Cup and Coral Gold Cup earlier in the month, added the prestigious Grade 1 title to his list of achievements. Speaking after the race, Sheehan expressed his confidence in Hewick's staying power and praised the horse's heart. He also revealed his delight at being chosen by trainer Shark Hanlon to ride Hewick, calling it a "no-brainer."
Cheltenham Dreams
Hewick's performance in the King George has catapulted him into the spotlight as a contender for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. Trainer Shark Hanlon is now considering sending him straight to the Festival, with bookmakers slashing his odds from 33-1 to 14-1 for the prestigious Gold Cup. Despite the Grand National being a more suitable race for Hewick, Hanlon believes there is only one Gold Cup.
Responsible Gambling
As always, it is important to gamble responsibly and within your means. Remember to enjoy the excitement of horse racing but be mindful of the risks involved.
