Shark sights set on Cheltenham with Hewick

Shark Hanlon has decided to keep his powder dry for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with Hewick.

The bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate, American Grand National and King George hero made a successful return from a break over the smaller obstacles at Thurles in October, but subsequently disappointed as the 2-1 favourite for the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

The 10-year-old switched back for the Coral Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month, but could only finish fifth, and Hanlon feels saving his stable star for the spring is the best course of action.

Speaking at Navan on Sunday, the County Carlow trainer said: “Hewick has gone on a break because of the way the weather is.

“We went to Newbury and the ground was way too soft for him. He ran well, he was there at the second-last.

“I’ve decided he will go straight to Cheltenham for the Stayers’ (Hurdle). He runs well fresh and with the way the ground is at the moment, it could be March again before we get good ground!”