“Bit Frustrating”: Horse Racing Enthusiasts in Shock As Underdog Horse Secures Victory in G1 King George Showdown

Annually, Kempton Park welcomes Thoroughbreds aged 4 years or older for a prize purse of £250,000. The  National Hunt steeplechase is scheduled to be a part of Christmas celebrations, adding to the horse racing community’s excitement. Honoring the rich history the event holds, J J Hanlon-trained 8-year-old gelding ensured to deliver a spectacle to keep on the thrill at Tuesday’s G1 King George showdown.

It was a battle worthy of a watch at Kempton Park on the 26th of December. T J McDonald- owned Hewick, followed along the excitement to emerge a victor with 100 yards left on the map. As the 31-starter raced to victory, the spectators knew not to bat their eyes.

Hewick is on track to the wire first

On the 26th of December, G1 King George VI Chase hosted its annual event to maintain the tradition. 6 equine took to the track to best each other to claim the £142,375 winner’s prize. However, with a fall and uncertainty on the ground, 8-year-old Hewick raced to victory in the moments. “Spectacular success for HEWICK (IRE) in G1 King George!” Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM) wrote, sharing the race on Facebook.

Hewick topped by Gavin Sheehan, surpassed Bravemansgame and Allaho with a winning time of 5m 55.75s. The 8-year-old left behind the 13-8 Favourite selling hopes of a better ground for the connections. “He definitely needs better ground. He is a better horse on good ground… Cheltenham will suit this horse a lot better as it is a tougher three and a quarter miles there,” trainer Hanlon said after the win. However, while the connections cheered, the horse racing enthusiasts sat shunned; some surprised, others upset on the fall of Shishkin.

Horse racing enthusiasts cheer in amazement

Entering the races, Hewick wasn’t heavily favored for a win. Nonetheless, speeding through the 3-mile course, the 8-year-old managed to deliver the unexpected for some but a cheer for the rest. “Shishkin would have won this,” one of them wrote while another came close. “None of the horses from that race wins gold Cup bit frustrating id of liked it if hewick won or got close if it was a clean race,” a fan expressed over the mishap.

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However, the response wasn’t all bad. “A Brilliant race and the winner HEWICK deserve it, Congratulations to all the connections and well DONE and have a Safe journey home,” a comment read. The next one patted the trainer on the victory. “Well done Hanlon,” it read. Following along, with the gelding’s connections, horse racing enthusiasts also hoped for a better ground for Hewick. “Could be big in Cheltenham this horse,” one wrote and the rest join in the waiting.

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