Top horse racing trainer banned after lorry transported dead horse in public

Racing trainer Shark Hanlon has been slapped with a 10-month suspension after his lorry was spotted transporting a dead horse in full view of the public.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board revealed their verdict today after convening for a hearing last week. Hanlon, famed for his triumph with the £800 steal Hewick, allowed an unshielded equine corpse to be carried by one of his lorries this June.

A photograph went viral on social media, leading to Hanlon, who expressed regret for any upset caused, facing charges for violating racing regulations.

An inquiry concluded that the actions of the Grade One-winning trainer were “grossly negligent” and detrimental to the integrity of horse racing.

The incident unfolded when the deceased horse, which had passed away overnight in a field, was being transferred from Kilkenny to County Carlow.

Hanlon claimed he attempted to conceal the remains with a tarpaulin, but it was fully exposed upon arrival in Paulstown, where a motorist captured the scene on camera.

“The public are entitled to hold legitimate expectations and concerns as to the humane and respectful treatment of both live and dead sport horses,” stated the committee’s report.

“The IHRB must respond appropriately to those expectations and concerns by the meaningful enforcement of reasonable standards of conduct by licensed participants in the sport.”

Last season, Hanlon led Hewick to glory in the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton, the highlight jumps event of the Christmas period.

The rags to riches tale was showcased in the first episode of ITV’s documentary ‘Champions: Full Gallop’ earlier this summer.

At the time, Hanlon provided a statement to the Irish Mirror, explaining: “Unfortunately, one of our horses died in his sleep and like all deceased animals it had to be transported to a licensed animal-disposal facility.”

“Regrettably, while in transit, a tarp covering the horse came undone. It is never pleasant to see a deceased animal, and I’m sorry for any distress this may have caused.”

However, the committee concluded that he “was grossly negligent in the supervision of the transport of the horse carcass on the day in question” and also slapped him with a €2,000 fine.

The IHRB has stated that the County Carlow-based trainer may request for half of the suspension to be lifted if he complies with certain conditions.