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John ‘Shark’ Hanlon is excited to show the public his stable favourite Hewick as he opens his yard in the latest trainer open day, writes Tom Masters. 

Hanlon is anticipating the arrival of between 600 and 800 members of the public at his yard, where they will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with American Grand National champion Hewick and other stars including Cape Gentleman. 

American Grand National winning jockey Jordan Gainford will be present, along with Jody McGarvey, while Hanlon is also hopeful star jockey Rachael Blackmore will also be in attendance. 

He said: “I think we're going to have a big crowd, a very big crowd actually. 

“There are 650 signed in already, so it could be a great day and hopefully we get the weather, that’s the most important. 

“Hewick and Cape Gentleman are going to be there and anyone is welcome to come and take photos and do whatever they like with them. 

“Jody (McGarvey) is going to be there definitely, Jordan Gainford will be there too, I haven't spoken to Rachael Blackmore yet, but I'm hoping to get her there on the day and so we'll have the jockeys there. 

“We're going to have free drink and food and everything like that, we even we even have a one-man band!” 

Eight-year-old Hewick became a cult hero when winning the Sandown Gold Cup and Galway Plate, before making the trip over the pond, where he stormed to an 11-length victory at Far Hills. 

He could not quite deliver in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when falling, but Hanlon feels it is time for the public to be repaid for their love of the Oaksey Chase champion, before he does it all again this year. 

He continued: “The public have been very good to me with Hewick and It's amazing how he is received – now I think it's time to let people see the horse in the flesh you know?

“He will go to Galway for the Galway Plate again and then he’ll probably go to America, before he gets a break, comes back in February and goes back to the Gold Cup. 

“The support for Hewick has been brilliant, totally unreal, it's been a dream for everyone, a really great ride and please God, I hope it's not over yet. 

“I think a lot of people are enjoying the ride to be honest, so long may it continue! 

“Winning in America was amazing, just something that I never dreamt I would do. 

“I never thought I'd be able to go to America and win with a horse, it was truly so special to be able to do that.”