Irish trainer John Shark Hanlon has claimed that he is aiming to appeal the 10-month ban given to him for the transport of a dead horse.
The horse was transported in an open trailer, which was towed by Hanlon’s horsebox. The tarpaulin on the horsebox came loose during the journey.
The incident was recorded and shared on social media, creating a firestorm. Soon after, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s referrals committee brought charges against Hanlon, stating 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 that he failed to ensure proper documentation for the deceased horse.
Hanlon admitted to some of the charges, and evidence was provided by both Hanlon and veterinary officials. The Committee reviewed the facts and Hanlon’s confessions.
In the end, the Carlow trainer was fined €2,000 (£1,685) and also received a 10-month ban from the IHRB committee this week.
Breaking: John 'Shark' Hanlon has lost his licence for 10 months for 'gross negligence' relating to the transportation of a deceased horse... pic.twitter.com/GaRfbJcvcQ
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 5, 2024
The committee claimed that Hanlon "caused significant prejudice to the integrity, proper conduct, and good reputation of the sport of racing."
Hanlon explained in his own words what went wrong.
“I feel it’s very wrong—I’m very disappointed and surprised with the result,” said the trainer after the verdict this week.
“We didn’t do anything wrong. We took the horse out of the field—the mare died in her sleep—and the carcass was going over to a licenced yard where she was supposed to go.
“The rug fell off, and I feel we’ve been very harshly treated,” added Hanlon, who also apologised for “any distress” caused when the video was filmed.
Hanlon also spoke on the subject and told the PA news agency that he plans to appeal the decision. “There is going to be an appeal put in straight away, that is one thing, and I can’t say too much at this stage as my legal team has advised me not to say too much.
“But we are very surprised and very disappointed with the results of the hearing.”
