GUTTED jockey Jordan Gainford was left fuming after being kicked off a huge Grand National ride.
The Irish star clearly wanted to ride 10-1 favourite Hewick – but was snubbed for the more experienced Gavin Sheehan.
Jockey Gavin Sheehan will ride Hewick instead on Saturday[/caption]
Sheehan, 32, got the nod ahead of Gainford after winning the King George Chase on Hewick in December 2023.
But that was the one and only time that Sheehan has ridden the Shark Hanlon-trained ten-year-old.
Instead, Hewick is normally partnered with Gainford, including in seven of his past eight runs.
Gainford, 21, will now ride Conflated (66-1) in the National at Aintree on Saturday after being “jocked off”.
When quizzed on the brutal decision, Gainford said on Friday: “Look to be honest, I just couldn’t believe it. I really couldn’t believe it.
“But we will worry about that another time.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to riding Conflated tomorrow. So every bit of luck, hopefully.”
Hewick was a £800 bargain buy who has won big races including the bet365 Gold Cup, Galway Plate and the American Grand National in 2022.
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Trainer, nicknamed ‘Shark’, has taken horse into local pub to celebrate victories, and believes he could be sent off as the favourite.
Sheehan said: “I’m not disappointed that I’ve not ridden Hewick since the King George because he’s Jordan Gainford’s ride.
“But once you have one big day, you hope you can have another one.
“I’m going to take my opportunity and he fits the profile. Everything seems to be coming together, we just need luck. It’s the main thing you need in that race.”
The Lambourn-based rider has not competed in the National since 2021, but he partnered Tranquil Sea to finish seventh in 2015 and knows the challenges of the race.
He is in his 14th season and registered his 95th victory of the campaign when partnering the Jo Davis-trained Benvoy at Ascot on Sunday.
His previous best return came last season when he scored 91 victories.
Sheehan has expressed his hunger to end the term with that landmark milestone.
He said: “I’m five away from my first ever century.
“You don’t count your chickens before they hatch, but I’m trying to get there as it would be massive for me.”
Facts about the Grand National
EVERY year the Grand National sees millions of racing fans tune in to soak up the action.
- The first Grand National took place in 1839, with a horse named Lottery winning the race.
- Obstacles like Becher’s Brook, The Chair, and the Canal Turn are renowned for their difficulty and have become iconic in the racing world.
- Red Rum is celebrated for winning the Grand National three times (1973, 1974, 1977) and finishing second twice (1975, 1976).
- In 1977, Charlotte Brew became the first woman to ride in the Grand National, breaking gender barriers in the sport.
- Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 as the first female jockey to win the Grand National, riding Minella Times to victory.
- An estimated 500 to 600million viewers watch the race worldwide.
- The race covers about 4 miles and 2½ furlongs, with horses jumping 30 fences over two laps.