Grand National 2025: Sheehan to Take the Ride on Hewick

John Hanlon has officially announced that Gavin Sheehan has been booked to take the ride on Hewick in next month's Grand National.

The decision means that the jockey will be back aboard the much-loved ten-year-old after Hanlon's son Paddy was aboard Hewick when he returned to winning ways in the Jimmy Neville Memorial Hurdle at Thurles on March 15.

Hopes will be high when it comes to his National chances this year after holding his own at the highest level over fences throughout his career.

His best run to date over fences came at Kempton on Boxing Day in 2023, after storming to King George success when picking up the pieces after staying on late in the day to beat Bravemansgame by just over a length.

Connections ultimately decided to book Sheehan to take the ride, with owner T J McDonald opting for the experienced rider over Jordan Gainford.

Sheehan was aboard the ten-year-old for his memorable success in the King George VI Chase in 2023. Speaking to the PA News Agency, Hanlon said: "Gavin is always there on the big day and is very good and has won on him before and knows him – he’s lots of experience on the big days."

Sheehan's booking marks the fit time that he will be aboard Hewick since the King George, with Gainford having taken the majority of the rides throughout this season.

The jockey booking has had an immediate impact on the odds for the race, with Hewick now as short as 12/1 after previously being priced up at 20/1.

Hewick isn't the only major name who will be lining up at Aintree next month. Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Constitution Hill is being strongly considering a run in the Aintree Hurdle.

The superstar lost his unbeaten record over hurdles in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, but connections have been buoyant surrounding plans before the end of the season.

There was a belief that we would see the former Supreme winner at Punchestown in May, but Henderson believes that a run at Aintree could be his first stop before a potential trip overseas.

Constitution Hill already has winning experience in the Aintree Hurdle, winning the 2 1/2-mile race in 2023 following his dominant victory in the Champion Hurdle.

Olly Murphy will send a strong team to Aintree to continue his excellent 2024-25 season.

His team will be headlined by Strong Leader, who will be chasing a second successive victory in the Liverpool Hurdle. The reigning champion bypassed the Cheltenham Festival in March to remain fresh for his Aintree date.

The trainer has also revealed that Fingle Bridge is an intended runner in the Turners Novices' Hurdle.

Resplendent Grey is being pointed toward the three-mile Grade One, while Murphy is also expected to send Go Dante and Booster Bob to Aintree for big targets.