John 'Shark' Hanlon ban dramatically reduced after successful appeal

John Shark Hanlon's ban has been reduced from 10 months to 6 months, with the final three months suspended if Hanlon meets certain criteria.

The famed trainer was slapped with a 10-month ban by the IHRB when, while transporting a deceased horse from his yard, a tarpaulin blew off in the wind, leaving the dead animal in view of the public.

At the time, the IHRB said that Hanlon “caused significant prejudice to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of the sport of racing.” Hanlon, who apologised for the incident, was also handed a €2,000 fine along with the initial 10-month ban.

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After an appeal hearing, Hanlon's ban has now been reduced to six months with the suspension beginning on the 1st of December 2024. The final three months of the ban may be suspended by the Referrals Committee if he adheres to certain conditions.

The previous fines of €2,000 and €350 have been upheld. Hanlon has yet to comment on the appeal findings.

Speaking yesterday, Hanlon, who has been forced to sell a number of horses and lay-off staff due to the upcoming ban, Shark commented on the mass sale of horses that he feels he has been forced into.

"When you're selling horses here, it's a lonely day. We got on well with some but we didn't get all of them sold,” he told the Racing Post.

“There's a couple left, we'll try to get sold before the evening is over but it's a lonely day when you have to come here, when they put you to do this. I don't think it's very fair."

Last month Hanlon said in an interview on Sky Sports Racing: "It took me 15-20 years to build my yard and now it's all over so we're appealing but I don't think it will make any difference."

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