The news came in from Florida overnight that Hewick has won the Steeplechase Horse Eclipse Award.
The John Shark Hanlon trained horse was awarded the title after it landed the biggest win in American jumps last October.
Hanlon scored a notable hat-trick of wins with his new stable star Hewick, the TJ McDonald-owned seven-year-old had Jordan Gainford in the saddle when landing the historic bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Sandown in April, adding the Tote Galway Plate in July and rounding off 2022 with a famous win in the American Grand National Hurdle Stakes at Far Hills in October.
Hewick wins the Steeplechase Horse Eclipse Award.@NTRA pic.twitter.com/kjcPrIDDxm
— John Hanlon Racing (@jhanlonracing) January 27, 2023
Speaking at the event, an emotional Hanlon had this to say:
“I do not know what to say. I can’t believe it. I came over here, we won the race in Far Hills and he has been a very good horse for us and the whole family.”
“I bought him in the local sales for €800 quid, and he has gone on to win half a million.”
“Tonight is definately the biggest night of my life. Thank you to everyone.”