Hewick's Remarkable Comeback Victory in King George VI Chase

Hewick Defies Odds to Win King George VI Chase, Blow Your Wad Scores Redemption at Kempton

With odds stacked against him, Hewick, a pony-sized gelding that cost a mere £800, stunned the horse racing world with a sensational comeback to clinch the coveted Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. Trained by Shark Hanlon and expertly ridden by Gavin Sheehan, Hewick was considered a long shot for much of the race, trailing behind the pack led by Shishkin.

Shishkin’s Fall, Hewick’s Rise

However, the race took a dramatic turn when Shishkin lost his footing and unseated his rider, Nico de Boinville, paving the way for an unexpected upset. Seizing the opportunity, Sheehan guided Hewick with finesse and determination, successfully overtaking the previous year’s winner, Bravemansgame, to secure victory by a length and a half.

A Triumph of Endurance and Will

Sheehan admitted that the significance of the race was a driving force, acknowledging that he might have pulled up otherwise. Reflecting on the race, Hanlon lauded Hewick’s indomitable spirit and tenacity despite being the smallest horse in the competition. He further expressed his plans to aim for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, dismissing suggestions that the English National would be a more suitable race for Hewick.

Blow Your Wad’s Redemption

In another race at Kempton, Blow Your Wad, who had previously been defeated by Le Patron at Sandown, made a remarkable comeback. Trained by Tom Lacey and ridden by Stan Sheppard, Blow Your Wad triumphed in the Ladbrokes Boost Your Odds On Racing Novices Limited Handicap Chase. Lacey defended Sheppard’s previous performance at Sandown, asserting that the defeat provided Blow Your Wad with invaluable experience that contributed to his victory at Kempton.

This Boxing Day race at Kempton Park was one for the books, filled with drama, unexpected turns, and a testament to the spirit of underdogs like Hewick and Blow Your Wad. It underscored the unpredictability of horse racing, where resilience and determination can defy the odds, leading to extraordinary victories.