HEWICK provided Shark Hanlon, who recently regained his licence following a six-month ban relating to negligence in transporting a deceased horse, with a welcome boost when landing the Jimmy Neville Memorial Hurdle and, in the process, booked his ticket for next month’s Randox Grand National.

The 10-year-old gelding, without a win since the 2023 King George VI Chase at Kempton, was ridden in public for the first time by Hanlon’s 17-year-old son Paddy, who sent the 11/8 favourite to the front four from home, before taking control in the straight.