2022 Eclipse Awards: Hewick
In Britain, Ireland, and the United States, Hewick claimed major stakes for jumpers in 2022.
A comprehensive win in the Grade 1, $250,000 Grand National at Far Hills Racecourse in New Jersey on Oct. 15 in his final start of the year landed Hewick on the list of finalists for the Eclipse Award as the 2022 outstanding steeplechaser – and into an Irish pub for a victory celebration.
Hewick was rated as a European contender in a field of nine in the Grand National and performed to expectations. He was always well-placed behind pacesetter Pistol Whipped and was urged to the front by jockey Jordan Gainford on the backstretch of the final circuit.
Hewick was in control of the race and drew away to win by 11 1/2 lengths over Noah And The Ark, the 41-1 winner of the Grade 1 Lonesome Glory Hurdle on Sept. 15 at the Belmont at Aqueduct meeting. Snap Decision, the winner of two Grade 1 races earlier in the year – the Iroquois Hurdle in May and the Jonathan Sheppard Hurdle at Saratoga in August – could only manage sixth.
:: Full list of 2022 Eclipse Awards finalists, including profile stories
Hewick, a 7-year-old gelding in 2022 bought for approximately $1,000, races for T.J. McDonald and trainer Shark Hanlon. Bred in Ireland by William Quinn, Hewick took McDonald and Hanlon on quite an adventure through three countries in 2022 in a campaign that had its share of drama.
Hewick was pulled up in his first start, the $197,700 Midlands Grand National at 4 1/4 miles at Uttoxeter Racecourse on March 19 in Britain, a prep for the famous English Grand National.
Hewick did not race again until the $205,400 Bet365 Gold Cup chase at 3 5/8 miles at Sandown Racecourse near London on April 23. Dismissed at 16-1 in a field of 15, Hewick raced near the front throughout, took the lead three fences from the finish, and won by eight lengths.
The style of the win was the theme of Hewick’s completed races in 2022. In a handicap hurdle at 3 1/8 miles at Ballinrobe Racecourse on May 31 in Ireland, Hewick raced near the front again, led by three lengths two hurdles from the finish, but was caught late and lost by a head.
Two months later, Hewick won his richest start of the year in the $273,200 Galway Plate over fences at 2 3/4 miles at Galway Racecourse in Ireland. Despite being harassed by a loose horse in the last quarter-mile, Hewick won by a half-length at 16-1.
He appeared on his way to a win in the $199,400 Kerry National chase at three miles on Sept. 21 at Listowel only to unseat Gainford at the final fence.
The partnership was back to sound jumping in the Grand National at Far Hills in America’s richest race in the steeplechase division.
Back in Ireland, Hanlon found a unique way to celebrate. As part of a community celebration of the Grand National win, Hanlon walked Hewick into the Pint Depot pub in County Carlow, where the star gelding was served a pint of Guinness.
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