“Hewick’s Big Heart Could Win Him Cheltenham Gold Cup” High praise for Carlow trainer's horse

Robbie Power Fancies Fairytale Victory For €850 Purchase

Hewick at the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup, Photo: Sportsfile

Former Gold Cup winning jockey Robbie Power believes a huge Irish fairytale could be in store at the Cheltenham Festival this week as €850 purchase Hewick bids to burst through the €1m barrier in prize money in Friday’s Gold Cup.

John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s stable star is making the trip from County Carlow to the Cotswolds as a 14/1 shot with BoyleSports (who are also Official Stable Partner to John Hanlon Racing) to win the biggest race of the Festival following a rags to riches story which has already seen him land races such as the American Grand National and Kempton’s King George VI Chase.

Now Robbie Power, who landed Cheltenham’s highlight race on board Sizing John in 2017, says the biggest win for Shark Hanlon’s diminutive superstar could be just around the corner.

Speaking exclusively to John Hanlon Racing’s Official Stable Partner BoyleSports, who are also after taking a spin on Hewick at Shark Hanlon’s yard, Power said: “He’s not the biggest horse in the world, but he doesn’t ride small, he covers plenty of ground.

“He’s got a lot of the action you want in a stayer and a Gold Cup horse, he’s relaxed, he won’t be over racing and every time you give him a little squeeze, he’s straight back on the bridle.

“I think there’s a lot of pace in this year’s Gold Cup and it’s going to suit him. I’m delighted for Jordan Gainford to be back on him, he’s had a rough year with injuries – it’ll add more to the fairytale if it comes to fruition on the day. He’s a very good jockey and he knows the horse better than anyone.

“I was lucky enough to ride Sizing John to win a Gold Cup, but Hewick was bought for €850 and was never going to be a big strapping 3-mile chaser. But he has a big heart and that’s the most important thing, he has that will to win.

“I didn’t think he’d win a Galway Plate with the weight he had on his back, I definitely didn’t think he’d win a King George. So I’m not going to say he won’t win a Gold Cup, he’s proved me wrong before.”