By Brian Sheerin
Trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon was reduced to tears upon receiving his Eclipse Award on behalf of America's Champion Steeplechaser Hewick (Ire) (Virtual {GB}) and even labelled the evening as “the biggest night of my life.”
The County Kilkenny trainer sent out Hewick, a horse he famously bought for just €850, to win the American Grand National at Far Hills last October.
Hewick wins the Steeplechase Horse Eclipse Award.@NTRA pic.twitter.com/kjcPrIDDxm
— John Hanlon Racing (@jhanlonracing) January 27, 2023
Hanlon made the trip over to America for the awards ceremony where he struggled to hold back the tears.
“I don't know what to say. I can't believe that we came over here and won the American Grand National in Far Hills,” Hanlon said of his Grade I winner.
“He's been a very good horse for us, for the whole family. I bought him at my own local sales for 800 quid and he's after winning half a million. But tonight is definitely the biggest night of my life. Thank you everyone.”
Hewick has won eight times and recorded notable victories in Britain and Ireland, including the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown and the Tote Galway Plate.
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