John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, a renowned horse trainer, intends to continue with his plan of presenting up to 30 of his horses at the Doncaster sales ring next week, despite uncertainty around his pending suspension. A ruling on his appeal against his rigorous 10-month ban is anticipated in approximately two weeks following Monday’s hearing.
Hanlon, whose reputation was catapulted by his notable acquisition, Hewick – the victor of King George VI Chase, may begin his suspension from the 1st of December. This decision was reached by an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) referrals panel last month after they concluded that Hanlon’s actions had tarnished the sport’s image. The controversy arose following the unveiling of a video on social media platforms in June, showing Hanlon’s horse box, distinctly emblazoned with his name, towing a trailer with a deceased horse. Hanlon issued an apology and explained that the tarpaulin covering the dead animal had been swept away while in motion. He has expressed that his career might be at stake if the license suspension persists.
Hanlon attended a hearing on Monday, before an IHRB appeals panel of three led by Justice Peter Kelly. An IHRB representative declared that the committee’s decision will be forthcoming, with hopes of delivering a verdict within a fortnight.
Discussing the hearing, Hanlon stated, “We had a fair and comprehensive hearing today. The outcome will be clear in around two weeks. I’m unable to provide additional comments at this time. The horses are slated for sale next week, as I remain uncertain about the status of my license.”
Hanlon has openly criticised his suspension as unjust and foresees job losses in his team if the ban remains in effect. Nevertheless, the referrals panel’s decision permits Hanlon to reapply for his license after a five-month period, provided he adheres to a set of conditions.
Meanwhile, Hewick, Hanlon’s prized horse for whom he paid a mere €850, is preparing for his first race since finishing second in the French Champion Hurdle in May, scheduled for tomorrow’s Grade Three Chase at Punchestown.
Jordan Gainford, a jockey who was unable to compete in Hewick’s significant win at King George during the previous Christmas due to an injury, will be riding the small yet exceptional horse. The horse will have to tolerate giving a weight advantage to eight other horses, one of which includes top-tier runner, Conflated.
Starting this Tuesday is the new jumps season at Punchestown, featuring on the roster is Willie Mullins’ young horse, Mummy Derry. This horse, related to Spillanes Tower, is hoping to improve upon her performance at Galway last month.
In other racing news, Los Angeles, under the training of Aidan O’Brien, may be making a swift return at this Saturday’s Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot. This follows his third-place result in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe just a week prior. Six entries from O’Brien’s yard have been accepted for the British Champions Day’s spotlight event following Monday’s final stage. Including in these entries is Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa who also competed in the Arc.
Leading English middle-distance colt, Economics, is tipped as favourite to win the double of 10 furlongs following his success at Leopardstown’s Champion Stakes last month. The odds are 5-4 in his favour, a triumphant repetition seen in O’Brien’s 2019 win with Magical.
French gelding Calandagan, who finished second to City Of Troy at York’s Juddmonte International, is his main competition. Tom Marquand who won the 2020 Champion Stakes on Addeybb will be riding Economics, and after a positive practice session a couple of weeks before the race, things are looking hopeful. Although the ground at Ascot might be slower than in Ireland, there is optimism that Economics will adapt and still perform exceedingly well.
Economics, who secured a hard-fought win at The Irish Champion Stakes, has also received significant praise from Marquand who says he is betting on the horse to replicate its victorious form at Ascot.
Henry Longfellow, another Champion Stakes entrant, is also set up to run in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes alongside his stablemate, Diego Velazquez. Trainer Aidan O’Brien is eyeing a potential record-equalling fifth victory in the one-mile highlight.
It seems to be a certainty that this Saturday will witness some strenuous racing conditions, with the round course already described as heavily waterlogged. As predictions for up to 25mm of rain by the weekend at Ascot are made, it is increasingly likely that the races on the round track will be transferred to the inner course.
The star horse, Kyprios, trained by O’Brien, is a hot favourite to outdo his previous year’s performance by winning the Long Distance Cup and maintaining his undefeated streak this season. After his eighth victory in top-tier races at the Prix Du Cadran earlier this month, he has become the most successful Group One horse in the history of his trainer’s stable.