Jockey change for Carlow-trained horse Hewick ahead of Cheltenham run

Carlow-based horse racing trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon has swapped jockeys on his stable star Hewick for the upcoming Cheltenham Gold Cup with Jordan Gainford taking back the ride after injury.

Gainford has previously ridden Hewick but sustained a serious injury during last year's Gold Cup. That ruled him out of the ride on the miracle horse when he landed a surprise win in the King George at Kempton over Christmas.

Gavin Sheehan was on his back that day and timed his run to perfection to nail the Willie Mullins-trained Allaho close to the finishing line. He was a shock winner but many thought Sheehan would keep the ride for Cheltenham.

Shark said Jordan "made the horse for me" and that "it would be only manners to let him ride."

"Jordan is back and has ridden a couple of winners," Hanlon said of the young jockey who has been making a big name for himself on both sides of the Irish sea in recent seasons.

“Jordan knows the horse well, the horse travels well for him and I’m delighted to have him on board.”