Shark Hanlon’s 10-month ban for transporting a dead horse in public view in an open trailer has been reduced to six months on appeal.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board imposed the penalty, along with a €2,000 (£1,668) fine, in September after accusing the trainer of being ‘injurious to the good reputation of the sport’.
The ban threatened Hanlon’s livelihood and he sold 15 of his horses on Tuesday for £113,000.
Last year’s King George winner Hewick remains in his care. Hanlon’s ban begins on December 1, meaning Hewick will run for another stable if he defends his King George crown.
Hanlon can apply to have three months of the ban suspended, provided the IHRB are satisfied he does not participate in any training-related activity.
Shark Hanlon, the trainer of fairytale horse Hewick, has had a 10-month ban reduced after a successful appeal
Hanlon trained Hewick (pictured) – who was bought for just £800 – and won the historic King George VI Chase
Hanlon, a larger than life character, was propelled into the headlines last Christmas after Hewick – who was bought for just £800 – won the historic King George VI Chase, worth £143,045, at Kempton on Boxing Day but now faces the task of rebuilding his battered reputation.
Footage was circulated on social media of an uncovered trailer attached to one of Hanlon’s horseboxes being driven through Paulstown, County Kilkenny on June 14. In the back, clearly visible, was the carcass of a dead horse.
