'He's getting stronger' - Gainford excited by Hewick's Kerry National claims

Jordan Gainford believes Galway Plate hero Hewick will be ideally suited by conditions in Wednesday's Guinness Kerry National (4.20), but is under no illusions of the challenge posed by shouldering top weight in the €200,000 feature.

Only one horse, the Willie Mullins-trained Euro Leader in 2005, has managed to win the Listowel prize off top weight since Dorans Pride in 1997, and Hewick will have to concede at least 10lb to all of his rivals.

A full field of 18, along with three reserves, was declared on Monday for the harvest festival highlight with Gainford's mount 11-2 joint-favourite alongside El Barra with Paddy Power.

The Cheltenham Festival-winning rider believes ground described on Monday as good would be perfect for last season's bet365 Gold Cup winner.

Gainford said: "I spoke to Shark [Hanlon, trainer] the other day and he feels the horse is in great form. Hopefully the weight won't be a problem. It is a lot to carry.

Jordan Gainford and Shark Hanlon after winning the Galway Plate with HewickCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"Whether that will catch him out, we'll have to see but hopefully he'll be bang there. He won at the Listowel festival last year and good ground should be in his favour."

He added: "Shark is unbelievable and loves this meeting at Listowel. He's had some luck around there, so hopefully we can do the same again this year."

As was the case in the Galway Plate, Gainford is grateful to his boss Gordon Elliott for freeing him up again to partner Hanlon's stable star.

Hanlon believes Hewick could develop into a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender, with the classy stayer now up to a mark of 163, and his 21-year-old rider feels the €850 bargain buy is improving with each start.

"It was an unbelievable performance at Galway," said Gainford.

"When I look back on it, I didn't want to use up as much energy as I did going to the second-last, but the way he picked up the hill – with the loose horse carrying him across – he showed he's getting stronger with every run."

Assemble: provided Joseph O'Brien with a first win in the Kerry National last yearCredit: Caroline Norris

Joseph O'Brien, who won last year's race with Assemble, is responsible for six, headed by Galway Plate second Darasso, Galway Blazers Handicap Chase runner-up Busselton and 2020 Galway Plate winner Early Doors.

Willie Mullins has declared four runners but two are reserves, included in which is leading contender Rock Road, fresh from winning three of his last four starts this summer.

Aidan Coleman will have his first ride at Listowel when partnering the Matthew Smith-trained Ronald Pump, while Sean Flanagan gets down to his lowest weight in nearly a year and a half – 10st 3lb – to team up with Jeremys Flame, representing Gavin Cromwell.

Guinness Kerry National (4.20 Listowel, Wednesday)

Paddy Power: 11-2 Hewick, El Barra, 7 Busselton, Rock Road (first reserve), 8 Hurricane Georgie, Gabbys Cross, 10 Darasso, Fire Attack, 11 Cape Gentleman, 14 bar

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