‘MONEY has not stopped coming’ for a Guinness-drinking ‘People’s Horse’ in the Grand National – as bookies brace for a whopping Aintree payout.
Several horses have been seen their odds slashed in recent days but the surge of support for former King George hero Hewick has been seismic.
Hewick was brought into his local pub to celebrate after winning the American Grand National in 2022
Trained by Shark Hanlon in Ireland, Hewick was bought for around £850 but has won owner TJ McDonald more than £750,000.
He’s a multiple Graded-level winner who loves good ground, a Guinness, and can finish with a real rattle, as his Kempton and American Grand National (yes, really) wins showed.
But a combination of Hanlon’s comments, Hewick’s jockey booking and the weather forecast have seen his odds crash.
From 20-1 he is now as short as 11-1 in places but a general 12-1 across the board.
Hanlon recently confirmed top pilot Gavin Sheehan will be in the saddle for his Aintee run on Saturday, April 5.
Sheehan rode Hewick to his King George victory and has struck up a brilliant partnership with the ten-year-old.
Hewick warmed up for the National with a win over hurdles at Thurles the week before last.
And bookies have taken him a pounding on him ever since, with fellow Irish runner and recent Cheltenham Festival winner Stumptown also popular.
Grand National odds
15-2 Intense Raffles
8-1 Iroko, Stumptown, I Am Maximus
12-1 Vanillier, Stumptown, Hewick
14-1 Perceval Legallois
16-1 Nick Rockett, Hyland
25-1 Meetingofthewaters, Kandoo Kid, Three Card Brag, Minella Cocooner, Grangeclare West
33-1 bar
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “There seems to be a real buzz about Hewick at the moment and the money has not stopped coming for him for the Grand National.
“We were 20-1 last week, but he’s been backed all the way down to 12-1 off the back of some particularly strong comments from his trainer, Shark Hanlon.
“He’s now the second worst result in our Non-Runner Money Back book behind Stumptown and is one we anticipate could shorten up even further.
“Should we get the drier ground that the forecast indicates, this ‘people’s horse’ could be a shocking result for us on the day.”
The other notable mover is Nicky Henderson’s Hyland, who is bidding to give his trainer a first win in the world’s most famous race.
Hyland is into 16s from 40-1.
Phelps added: “He’d be Nicky’s first winner of the race, and it looks like many punters will be hoping history is made on National day.”
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