Hewick brings down the curtain on a remarkable career

Few National Hunt racehorses have captured the imagination of racing fans quite like Hewick. Bought for just €850 as a two-year-old, the modestly priced gelding went on to become one of the most popular and successful jump horses of his generation.

Trained in Bagenalstown by John “Shark” Hanlon and owned throughout his career by T.J. McDonald, Hewick's story became one of racing's greatest modern fairy tales.

Hewick began racing in 2019 and initially competed in point-to-points before switching to hurdles. Success did not come immediately, but his ability and determination gradually became apparent. His first victories over hurdles arrived in 2020, and he continued to progress before making an even bigger impact when sent chasing in 2021. That year he won the Durham National at Sedgefield, offering a glimpse of the staying power that would later make him a star.

The breakthrough stage of his career came in 2022. Sent off at long odds in the prestigious bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, Hewick produced a stunning performance to win the Grade 3 contest. He followed that achievement with victory in the famous Galway Plate, one of Ireland's most historic handicap chases. Those wins transformed him from an improving handicapper into a major force in staying steeplechases.

He looked set to follow that with victory in the Kerry National in Listowel but hit the last fence just as it looked like he was coming to win.

Later that year, Hewick enhanced his reputation on the international stage. Travelling to the United States, he won the American Grand National at Far Hills, New Jersey. The success demonstrated his versatility and toughness, while also increasing his popularity among racing fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Trainer Shark Hanlon famously described him as a horse who was developing a huge following, and his achievements abroad further strengthened that status. On his return to Ireland following that success, Hewick was pictured entering The Pint Depot pub in Bagenalstown where he famously enjoyed a sip from a pint of Guinness, a video that viral over social media and only add to his popularity.

In 2023, Hewick continued to compete at the highest level. He suffered disappointment when falling while challenging in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but he bounced back with victory in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown. However, the defining moment of his career came on Boxing Day 2023 when he won the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. One of Britain's most prestigious steeplechases, the King George is a race won by legends of jump racing. Hewick's victory, achieved at odds of 12-1, cemented his place among the elite and represented a dream come true for his connections.

What made Hewick so popular was not only his achievements but also his background. In a sport often associated with expensive bloodstock, here was a horse purchased for less than €1,000 who earned more than £790,000 in prize money and won major races in Ireland, Britain and the United States. His rise embodied the belief that success in racing can still come from unlikely sources.

After a career that included 12 victories from more than 50 starts, Hewick remained competitive into his 11-year-old season. His final appearance came at Cork in July 2026, where he finished third in a hurdle race. Following that performance, trainer Shark Hanlon announced that the popular gelding would be retired. Hanlon explained that the decision had been made before the race and that the horse was still sound and healthy, making it the ideal time to end his career.

He was associated with a number of jockeys. Rachel Blackmore, Jordan Gainford and Gavin Sheehan all enjoyed big wins on Hewick but the most emotional win from that point of view was in Thurles in March 2025. It was far from the highest profile win of his career that day but it was a special moment for Paddy Hanlon, son of the trainer, who had led Hewick out for many of his big day as a youngster but who progressed to riding him competively. The pair went on to run in the Stayers’ Hurdle in this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

The retirement of Hewick marked the end of one of racing's most heartwarming stories. From an €850 purchase to a King George winner and international star, he exceeded every expectation placed upon him. More importantly, he became a genuine “people's horse”, admired not just for his victories but for the hope and inspiration his journey provided. His achievements ensure that Hewick will be remembered as one of the most beloved National Hunt horses of his era.

He ran his last race in Cork on Friday but trainer ‘Shark’ Hanlon confirmed that he will be host an open day in his yard in the very near future so that people from Carlow and beyond can come to pay tribute to this remarkably popular horse.