Hewick’s Big Shot: Why This 9-Year-Old Is Stirring the Grand National Pot
There's a lot of buzz swirling around Hewick, the 9-year-old gelding trained by the ever-determined Shark Hanlon. With odds of 10-1, bookies aren't calling him a favorite, but he's far from a long shot. If you ask anyone who's watched Hewick grind through tough races, there's a sense he might just have the right mix of grit and class for the 2025 Grand National.
Let's cut through the hype for a second. Most Grand National fans remember those wild-card winners with double-digit odds—history has stacked up proof that the Aintree course can humble favorites and turn a so-called outsider into a racing legend overnight. Think Tiger Roll or One For Arthur: both skipped a ton of prep runs, carried middling odds, and left the favorites eating turf. Hanlon seems to be banking on just that, sharpening Hewick’s raw stamina for a one-and-done assault on the world's toughest steeplechase.
One thing that sets Hewick apart is his age and racing mileage. At nine, he's got the perfect blend of experience without being over the hill. Hanlon isn't giving away much about the gelding’s training regimen, but those who watch the yards know Shark is shrewd. He works his horses for stamina first—essential for tackling Aintree's four-mile-long slog, where fresher legs in the last mile can decide everything.
The Stack of Rivals and the Wild Card Factor
Still, racing fans can't ignore the favorites: I Am Maximus sits at 6-1, carrying the momentum of last year’s champion under the legendary Willie Mullins. It’s rare for a horse to clinch back-to-back Nationals, but Maximus will try to channel Tiger Roll’s repeat magic. Next up, Iroko sits at 8-1—consistent, talented, and handled by a team that knows how to pick their moment.
Hewick lines up with the likes of Stumptown (also 10-1) and Minella Cocooner (12-1). These are horses with a streak of competitiveness and just enough unpredictability to unsettle the field. Farther down the pecking order, you’ve got real long shots like Royale Pagaille at 80-1 and Meetingofthewaters at 20-1—both known for stamina, but their inconsistent records keep punters wary.
A big talking point is how course conditions and race tactics might play out. If it rains and the track gets soft, the stamina test becomes brutal—and that’s where Hanlon’s approach could pay off. He’s not one for flashy speed; Hewick’s style is about hanging tough while others fade. That’s exactly how past outsiders have stolen the race, grinding steadily as favorites burn out in the closing miles.
This year’s field is shaping up to be one of the most open in memory. Grand National trends show that more than 80% of winners over the past three decades have gone off at 10-1 or higher. In other words, those who look past Hewick because he isn’t top of the market might want to revisit Aintree’s unpredictable history. If the pace suits and Hanlon’s game plan holds, Hewick isn’t just there to make up the numbers—he’s a real danger.
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