Hanlon set for fairytale ride on Hewick today at Cheltenham 

The Cheltenham Festival is renowned for throwing up fairytale stories, but if Paddy Hanlon were to ride Hewick home to win the Stayers’ Hurdle on Thursday, 12 March, it would be up there with anything seen before in the Cotswolds.

Now 18 years of age, Hanlon grew up with Hewick in his father’s yard, and they developed a bond that goes far beyond horse and rider. Hanlon was there for all of Hewick’s biggest days, including the American Grand National, and he led him up at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day in 2024 when Hewick won the King George. Hanlon was the first to greet him when he came back in off the track.

It was always a dream to ride Hewick in a race, something Hanlon has already achieved, but the chance to do so in a Grade 1 is the stuff of fantasies.

It will be Hanlon’s first ride at Cheltenham, which in itself is the fulfilment of a childhood ambition, but having Hewick as his partner makes it all the more special.

“It’s the stuff of dreams, really. When you start out as a jockey you want to be at the Cheltenham Festival. To be riding for Dad on what has been such a fantastic horse for us, it’s just fantastic to get that kind of chance and I have to thank the owner, TJ McDonald, and my dad for letting me ride him.

“I’ve been minding him for a long time now and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. We’ve had some good days with him but hopefully this will be my favourite with him. It would be a dream to run well in it,” said Hanlon.

The young jockey admits that even this early in his career, a good run on a horse that means so much to him at the Cheltenham Festival might be hard to top.

“A lot of jockeys don’t get these types of chances and it's a very fortunate position to be in. To have a horse like him in the yard to get to ride him is just a dream, I suppose,” said Hanlon.

Hanlon moved to England last year and had been working in Nicky Henderson’s yard before switching to another of the all‑time great English trainers, Paul Nicholls. He has also gained valuable experience riding for several other trainers and has racked up some good wins.

“I've enjoyed it, making the most of the experiences I can over here. One man that's been very good to me is Syd Hosey, I rode a winner for him recently. He's given me a lot of support since I came over, so I'm thankful to him,” said Hanlon.

As well as the joy Paddy will get from riding Hewick at Cheltenham, it’s sure to mean a great deal to his father, Shark, also.

“Hopefully we’ll have a good day out anyway. For trainers, owners, jockeys — it’s all about Cheltenham, and to have a ride there on a horse like this is just brilliant.”