Irish raider Hewick strikes Sandown Gold for Shark Hanlon

Hewick provided Ireland with another big-race success on British soil when running out an impressive winner of the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.

Winner of the Durham National at Sedgefield in the autumn, Shark Hanlon's charge was pulled up on his return from a break in last month’s Midlands National at Uttoxeter.

But back on a sounder surface for the traditional seasonal finale, the seven-year-old proved a different proposition in the hands of leading Irish conditional Jordan Gainford.

Step Back, winner of the race four years ago, gave a bold sight in front for much of the three-mile-five-furlong journey under amateur rider Lily Bradstock, but was a tired horse turning for home.

Hewick is a decisive winner of the feature Grade 3 @bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase, travelling up strongly under @GainfordJordan and forging clear for a fantastic victory for trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon