The Referrals Committee, Mr Justice Tony Hunt (Chairman), Mr Raymond J McSharry and Mr John Murphy convened online on Wednesday, 5 February 2025 to consider the application of John Joseph Hanlon (Trainer) to review the suspension imposed upon him.

Following a referral to consider potential breaches of the Rules of Racing, following a hearing on 30 August 2024, the Referrals Committee found Mr Hanlon in breach of Rule 272(i) and imposed a €2,000 fine and a withdrawal of Mr Hanlon’s licence for a period of 10 months, with the possibility of the last five months of that term being suspended conditionally. Mr Hanlon was also found in breach of Rule 148(iii) and fined €350 in respect of that breach.

Following an appeal hearing on 14 October 2024, the Appeals Body directed that Mr Hanlon’s licence should be withdrawn for a period of six months with the conditions as provided in the Referrals Committee decision, and that Mr Hanlon could make an application on application to conditionally suspend the final three months if those conditions were met.

At the Referrals Committee hearing on 5 February 2025 to consider his application, submissions were heard from Mr John Whelan, solicitor, on behalf of Mr Hanlon.

In his submission Mr Whelan stated that he was making an application to suspend the three-month balance of Mr Hanlon’s suspension as allowed for in the decision of the Appeals Body. Mr Whelan also made a submission seeking liberty to apply early to the Licensing Committee so that Mr Hanlon could have his licence restored on the 14 February due to the new requirements under Rule 148(vii) which were not in place when the Appeals Body issued their decision. Mr Whelan provided the Referrals Committee with an undertaking that Mr Hanlon would not run any horse prior to 1 March and that Mr Hanlon will accept any condition imposed upon his licence.

Having considered the application, the Referrals Committee permitted would lift the last three and a half months of the suspension from the 14 February 2025 on two conditions 1) that Mr Hanlon does not commit any further breach of Rule 272 within the suspended timeframe, for the duration of the six months up to 1 June 2025, otherwise the suspended part could come into effect along with any other penalties that might arise and 2) from the period of the 14 February until 1 March, subject to the Licensing Committee acceding to Mr Hanlon’s application, , although he would be permitted to notify HRI of Horses in his care, control and training from 14 February 2025 with running after the 1 March 2025.

The case was presented by Ms Christine Traynor BL, IHRB Head of Racing Regulation and Integrity. Mr Hanlon was represented by Mr John Whelan, Whelan Law Solicitors of Cashel, Co Tipperary

The Licensing Committee convened on 13 February. Following interview with Mr Hanlon, the Licensing Committee acceded to the request and granted Mr Hanlon his licence from 14 February.