Gavin Sheehan confirmed for Hewick Grand National mount

John ‘Shark’ Hanlon has confirmed that Gavin Sheehan will partner Hewick in the Randox Grand National.

Hewick was ridden by the trainer’s son Paddy when he made a return to winning ways at Thurles last weekend, but Hanlon has been deliberating on who would partner his stable star at Aintree on April 5 ever since.

Both Gavin Sheehan and usual rider Jordan Gainford were in the mix, but after conversations with Hewick’s owner T J McDonald, connections have decided on the added experience of Sheehan, who famously steered the 10-year-old to King George VI Chase glory on Boxing Day 2023.

“We’ve just decided that Gavin Sheehan rides and we’ve gone for the older head,” Hanlon told the PA news agency.

“It’s nothing against Jordan at all and he will be back on him in time, but we had to make a decision and be fair to everyone and make the call in plenty of time.

“Gavin is always there on the big day and is very good and has won on him before and knows him – he’s lots of experience on the big days. But at the same time Jordan is very good, has won him before and knows him so it was a tough call. But I’ve just spoken to the owner and this is what we’ve decided.”

Hewick can be backed at a best price of 20-1 for National glory, but is as short as 12-1 in places.