Horse trainer John Joseph 'Shark' Hanlon has been given a ten month ban for transporting a deceased horse in public view.
The Kilkenny man will have his training licence suspended over the incident that took place in June, where he failed to sufficiently conceal the carcass of the animal during a journey from a paddock in Kilkenny to a slaughterhouse in Carlow.
Hanlon had attempted to cover the animal's carcass with a tarpaulin before leaving the paddock but these attempts failed in transit.
Images emerged on social media with the IHRB opening an investigation two days after the incident occurred, with Hanlon apologising for 'any distress.'
“All of the horses in my yard are very well cared for. 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.”
The committee since concluded the Hanlon "was grossly negligent in the supervision of the transport of the horse carcass on the day in question."
Hanlon has also been fined €2000 euro for the incident that was deemed to damage "the good reputation of racing.'
The second half of the ten month ban will be suspended if Hanlon abides by certain conditions such as not knowingly participating in any training-related activities, and not issuing instructions to any jockey or other trainer.
He is also banned from entering weigh rooms, parade rings and other areas of racecourses which are restricted to licences.
He told RTÉ Sport he is surprised and disappointed by the outcome and will appeal.
Hanlon is the trainer of King George and Galway Plate Winner Hewick.
