17 June 2024 , 17:49
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One of Ireland's best-known trainers has apologised after a distressing video was posted online showing the body of a dead racehorse being towed through a village.
John 'Shark' Hanlon has earned international fame for his campaigning of Hewick, the £800 horse who has won big races in Britain and the US.
In the clip, which has been shared across social media, one of the Co Carlow trainer's horseboxes is seen pulling a trailer through a village. As the vehicle following, which is filming the horsebox, moves closer, the body of a dead horse is clearly visible lying in the trailer.
Among the reactions on X, one racing fan said: "I'm really sad to see this. There has to be better and more dignified ways to transport a dead horse than this. Very disappointing."
Hanlon, contacted by the Irish Mirror, issued an apology for any distress caused, He explained the incident had occurred a couple of months ago while the horse was being transported to a licensed animal disposal facility.
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"All of the horses in my yard are very well cared for," he said in a statement. "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."