Major national uproar as the main contender withdrew and money came for the Irish runner
THE Grand National weights are set to cause a major upset after Hewick was all but ruled out of the race by trainer Shark Hanlon.
Hewick, who was withdrawn from the Gold Cup due to soft ground, was due to carry a top weight of 11st 12lb at Aintree next month.
The nine-year-old watched from his stable as Galopin Des Champs ran riot that day and he is about to leave the Grand National too.
Hanlon said Race post: “I would say that at this stage Hewick will not take part in the Grand National and may go to the Bowl.
“After missing the Gold Cup I think carrying top weight in the Grand National would be too much of a task.
“The Gold Cup was his national preparation and he missed that, so maybe we can go to the Bowl instead.
“Nothing is set in stone and I need to have a proper chat with his owner later this week, but the way I’m thinking of it at the moment is he’s going to the Bowl at Aintree and then the Punchestown Gold Cup.
This will cause the weights to shift significantly upwards and that can bring a lot into play.
Punters believe the horse is the Martin Brassil-trained Panda Boy, who needs strong support.
Coral has lowered its odds to 12-1 (out of 16) for the world’s most famous spire.
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Coral’s John Hill said: “Irish-trained horses have had an excellent record in the Grand National in recent years and many punters believe Panda Boy can continue that this year.
“Martin Brassil’s runner has received good support for the Aintree film over the last 24 hours.”
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