The storied course at Auteuil comes alive this Saturday as the tenacious Hewick returns for another shot at glory in the French Champion Hurdle, a race that promises to be a captivating contest between British and Irish challengers. Trained with an experienced hand by Shark Hanlon, Hewick is poised to deliver a standout performance after narrowly missing out last year. This versatile ten-year-old is fresh off a campaign that demands attention, having scored a major win in the 2023 King George VI Chase.
Drawing from his decades of experience, Hanlon is bullish about Hewick’s prospects against the defending champion, Losange Bleu. This match-up is the kind that racing fans dream of, with these formidable horses set to clash in what Hanlon believes will be a less daunting field compared to last year’s tightly contested race. Unfazed by the weight disadvantage from the previous year, Hewick enters this Grade 1 contest 4lbs better off.
Hewick’s Form and Focus
“Hewick is absolutely super and traveled over great,” Hanlon emphatically states, illustrating the horse’s vibrant condition. His confidence is unmistakable as he reflects on the form his horse showed before. According to Hanlon, Losange Bleu remains the singular serious threat, describing this French star as the best to grace the stage in years.
While the aftermath of Aintree’s National might have left questions about Hewick’s stamina, Hanlon assures fans that his charge is fresh and spirited, with six weeks of optimal recovery. “He’s had a nice break and the weather’s been good, so he’s fresh and well in himself,” adds Hanlon, with the optimism of knowing his horse is a contender to watch.
Rivals in the Field
Adding color to this thrilling race are competitors like Monmiral, trained by the seasoned Paul Nicholls. Nicholls brings a wealth of experience and a strategic mind, having navigated horses to victory at Auteuil before. Despite Monmiral missing Cheltenham due to a setback and tiring at Aintree, Nicholls has his eyes set on another thrilling run. This horse, having tasted victory at this hallowed ground, brings an element of unpredictability to the race.
On the track, Losange Bleu stands as an immovable force, with Dominique Bressou nurturing this star into peak form. A victory in November’s Grade 1 Grand Prix d’Automne and a stylish win in last month’s Grade 2 Prix Leon Rambaud have cemented Losange Bleu’s status as the horse to beat. Yet, the dynamic nature of horse racing reminds us that no lead is ever secure.
Anticipated Clash with History
El Clavel, another top contender, adds an Irish flavor to this international encounter. Noel George, who co-trains El Clavel, is all too aware of the talent stacked against them, acknowledging Losange Bleu’s capabilities with admiration. These races are etched into the annals of history, where every stride might rewrite what’s come before.
Racing fans are in for a thrilling display as British and Irish contenders try to make their mark in this French classic. The French Champion Hurdle’s storied past records Irish and British glory, the last seen in 2019 and 2017 respectively. With this weekend’s race promising high stakes, the racing world watches as these equine gladiators thunder down the stretch, each stride a testament to their training and spirit. These champions, both horse and handler, illustrate the dedication inherent in the sport, keeping alive traditions that date back generations, adding new chapters to an ever-evolving narrative.
