'The highlight of my career and even my life' - Hanlon shock after awards night

Shark Hanlon’s exploits with stable star Hewick this season have been nothing short of extraordinary and he added another unique success to his CV last night when winning the Champion Steeplechaser at the Eclipse Awards in Florida, a feat which the trainer called his “greatest training achievement.”

Hewick captured the imagination of racing fans when the €850 purchase won the American Grand National under Jordon Gainford at Far Hills last October. The eight-year-old has been in sensational form in the past 12 months, landing the $250,000 Far Hills event along with the Galway Plate and bet365 Gold Cup, but the award received on Thursday seems to eclipse all these wins according to the trainer.

Hanlon said: “It was unreal. To come over here and win an award like this, I just can’t believe it. For a small trainer like me to get an award like this is just unbelievable.

“Without a doubt this is my biggest achievement as a trainer. It's definitely the highlight of my career and even my life.”

The trainer was notably emotional on receiving the award and explained someone close to his heart was on his mind.

He said: "When the horse won, the first person I thought of was Jack de Bromhead. I never get emotional but when my name was called out, I don’t know what hit me, but Jack was the first thing that came to my mind."

Hanlon was initially unsure about making the long trip over to Florida, but coincidentally had some immediate family located near the venue who ultimately convinced him to pack his bags.

He said: "My sister is living 300 yards from the hotel. If it wasn’t for that I probably wouldn’t have come over. I was delighted I could go as when you’re invited to the likes of these events, it's bad manners not to go.

"We had a great night and my head doesn't feel great, but us Irish people love to celebrate! I made some great contacts and as a small trainer like me it’s amazing to attract new American owners."

It’s hard to believe that Hewick has only just turned eight and there could be plenty more chapters in this extraordinary tale to come given the lofty targets Hanlon has in mind.

He said: "He’ll go for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham and hopefully then on to the Grand National, but we're hoping to come back here to Tennessee for their big race in May [The Iroquois Steeplechase]. 

"We might see about going back to Galway with him for the Hurdle or the Plate but he will likely be given a break with a view to coming back to Far Hills."

The trainer also paid tribute to Hewick's owner, TJ McDonald, who had previously refused some significant sums of money for the horse and is now reaping some incredible dividends.

Hanlon said: "Listen, he could have been sold before all of this as we were offered a lot of money for him. Only for TJ, none of this would be happening. I have to give massive thanks to him."

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