Irish trainer John "Shark" Hanlon has claimed that the 10-month ban imposed on him will leave several of his staff homeless unless the ban is lifted.
Hanlon got into trouble for the transportation of a dead horse, an incident that was recorded and shared on social media last month.
The horse was transported in an open trailer, towed by Hanlon’s horsebox. During the journey, the tarpaulin on the horsebox came loose.
The incident, recorded and widely shared on social media, sparked a public outcry. Shortly afterward, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s Referrals Committee brought charges against Hanlon, stating that the conduct “attracted significant public opprobrium and adverse comment” for both him and the sport of racing.
It was also found that Hanlon provided misleading information during the investigation and failed to ensure proper documentation for the deceased horse.
Hanlon admitted to some of the charges, and evidence was presented by both Hanlon and veterinary officials. The Committee reviewed the facts alongside Hanlon’s admissions.
“I have thirty horses to go to the sales, which took me 15 years to build up, but now it’s all over”
Shark touches on an upcoming dispersal sale
🎥 @AtTheRaces
pic.twitter.com/zjlCdTcALL— Shark Hanlon Racing (@jhanlonracing) September 23, 2024
In the end, the Carlow trainer was fined €2,000 (£1,685) and received a 10-month ban from the IHRB last month.
Five months of suspension may be deferred if Hanlon abides by the conditions imposed by the referral committee during the first half of the ban.
Hanlon plans to appeal the severity of the sentence, which is expected to be heard in October. However, his request to delay the penalty until April was denied, meaning his ban will start on December 1.
Hanlon believes the situation has been unfair, calling it just a mishap.
“I just feel we’ve been very badly done by,” he said via his social media. “Was I to leave the horse in the field and let the crows and the foxes eat him?
“I did the right thing by taking the horse out of the field. It was just a mishap that the tyre fell off.
“I just think it’s outrageous, and so does the whole country—England and Ireland.”
Hanlon also admitted that the decision has left a bitter taste. He expressed concern for his stable staff, who will face homelessness if the appeal next week is unsuccessful.
“I don’t think they put a lot of thought into what they’ve done. If we’d done something very wrong, you would put your hands up, but I honestly believe I did what was right.
“I didn’t deliberately come down to Paulstown with the cover off the horse. The cover was put on, and from the horsebox, you couldn’t see that it had blown off.
“It took me 20 years to build the yard, and for this to happen leaves a sour taste.
“I feel very sorry for the staff,” he added. “There are 14 or 15 people working here, all with young families. They’re going to lose their jobs. There are people living here who will have to leave their homes and have nowhere to live after December 1.”
The appeal outcome will be revealed next week.
See More: Horse Racing, John Shark Hanlon
