World's cheapest racehorse could double owner's profit if it wins Cheltenham's big race

Hewick cost just £800 but has already earned trainer John “Shark” Hanlon nearly £400,000 in winnings - and that figure could increase even further

The world’s cheapest racehorse could bag its Irish owner a bumper St Patrick’s Day payday in today’s Gold Cup.

Hewick cost just £800, the price of a cow, but has already earned trainer John “Shark” Hanlon nearly £400,000 in winnings.

And he could double his profit if the eight-year-old horse wins Cheltenham Festival ’s big race.

Hanlon, 55, caused a stir last October when he took 33/1 shot Hewick into his local pub in Co Carlow for a slurp of Guinness.

In six months he has won the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown and the American Grand National.

Hanlon said: “He came from five minutes down the road and at £800 he was the price of a cow.”

Bookies are offering 3/1 for an Irish clean sweep today. Galopin Des Champs is the 2/1 Gold Cup favourite, with Bravemansgame at 13/2 and A Plus Tard at 7/1.

Nicola McGeady, of Ladbrokes, said: “We’re bracing ourselves for record turnover.”

Corrie’s Mikey North and Alan Halsall, and TV host Stephen Mulhern joined stars at Cheltenham yesterday.

Zara Tindall, a director of the racecourse, was with hubby Mike.

Ex-England footballer Peter Crouch backed winner Stage Star, while former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp’s horse Shakem Up’Arry was third in the Magners Plate Handicap Steeple Chase.

But 6ft 4ins Jack Andrews, the world’s tallest jockey, came up short on Annightinlambourn in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup.

TV star Richard Hammond’s horse Farinet also pulled up.