John “Shark” Hanlon, a well-known figure in Ireland’s horse racing industry, faces a crucial appeal against his 10-month ban on Monday. The penalty, relating to bringing the sport into disrepute, may put an end to Hanlon’s training career.
The trainer’s reputation, made prominent mainly through the success of his low-cost €850 horse, Hewick, has come under fire. This follows the release of a video on social media showing Hanlon’s marked horsebox towing a trailer containing a deceased horse through a village in Paulstown. The incident, which occurred earlier this year, came to light in June.
Hanlon clarified that the lifeless horse was covered by a tarpaulin which blew off during transportation to an authorised animal disposal facility, expressing regret for any upset caused.
The footage surfaced shortly after an investigation by RTÉ into horse welfare issues which referenced Hanlon.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) referrals committee deemed Hanlon’s actions as “grossly negligent”, stating that they had caused substantial harm to the sport’s integrity, proper conduct, and solid reputation.
In their verdict released last month, the committee handed Hanlon a 10-month ban, with the possibility of him reapplying for his licence after five months, given a list of conditions are met. Hanlon was also penalised with a €2,000 fine.
The appeal hearing, set by the IHRB and to commence at 11am on Monday, is expected to produce a decision later the same day.
On Sunday, Hanlon described his suspension by the IHRB as “really unfair,” adding that if not amended, it could mean the end of his racing career, and condemning the regulator’s actions as outrageous.
Hanlon expressed his disbelief at receiving a 10-month suspension despite feeling he had not contravened any rules, saying he had even covered the horse with a tarpaulin that had subsequently fallen off. Hanlon outlined his imminent plans to send 30 horses to Doncaster Sales, with potential job losses at his stables if the suspension is not lifted. His supporters are not limited to Ireland, but are from across the globe, he stated.
Hanlon remarked on the drastic decline of horses under his care from 30 to an impending count of five or six, causing financial instability. If circumstances were to continue in this vein and he returns, he would no longer be able to retain his staff, who are all parents to young children. A recent personal loss coupled with sleep deprivation has made him question his future in racing – a sport he absolutely cherishes.
Hanlon made mention of Full Gallop, an ITV documentary, in which Hewick’s victory in King George VI Chase last December was headlined. He expressed his dismay at being penalised after striving to promote racing, although the asubstantial support he has received has been immensely comforting.
An online campaign advocating for the reinstatement of Hanlon’s training license has close to 2000 signatures. The suspension is set to commence on 1st December. Hanlon had earlier made a request for its postponement to April but was denied due to potential regulatory issues with the IHRB and the negative implications it may carry for sanctions.
This week, a high-profile hearing awaits Luke W Comer, appealing against his own one-year suspension, scheduled for Thursday.
An incident in Summerhill, Co Meath in 2021 involving the son of tycoon Luke Comer resulted in his suspension in August due to the harm caused to horse racing’s image. The issue involved deceased horse bodies in a state of decomposition found on Comer’s estate during an inspection by the Department of Agriculture.
Comer was taken to court in March the following year for this issue. Despite stating his unawareness about the incident and fully complying with authorities, it led to him evading a conviction by pledging a €20,000 donation to the ISPCA. Subsequently, the accusations were dismissed.