Grand National shake-up as key contender to be pulled and money comes for runner off tiny weight
THE Grand National weights are set for a big shake-up after Hewick was all but ruled out of the race by trainer Shark Hanlon.
Hewick, who was pulled out of the Gold Cup because of soft ground, was set to carry topweight of 11st 12lb at Aintree next month.
The nine-year-old watched on from his stable as Galopin Des Champs ran riot that day and he’s set to sit out of the Grand National too.
Hanlon told Racing Post: “I’d say at this stage Hewick won’t run in the Grand National and might go to the Bowl instead.
“After missing the Gold Cup, I think it would be too big of an ask to shoulder topweight in the Grand National.
“The Gold Cup was his National prep and he’s missed that so we might have a go at the Bowl instead.
“Nothing is set in stone and I have to have a proper chat with his owner later this week, but the way I’m thinking at the moment is for him to go for the Bowl at Aintree and then on to the Punchestown Gold Cup.
As a result, the weights will shift sharply upwards and that could bring plenty into play.
Punters believe the horse to be with is the Martin Brassil-trained Panda Boy, who has come in for strong support.
Coral have cut his odds to 12-1 (from 16) for the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Coral’s John Hill said: “Irish-trained horses have an excellent record in the Grand National in recent years and many punters believe Panda Boy can keep that up this year.
“Martin Brassil’s runner has been well backed over the last 24 hours for the Aintree feature.”
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