John Joseph Hanlon (2)

Full Results

John Joseph Hanlon is better known by the name Shark Hanlon in racing circles and actually runs his stable under the name of Shark Racing to further emphasise that. Initially in the cattle trading business, after time with the Mullins brothers, Hanlon decided it was time to turn to horse racing and took out a trainer license at the end of 2006.

After putting together his string of horses, he would have his first runner in early 2007, and in April of that year, he would record his first winner. Throughout his career, Hanlon has been associated with some top jockeys. Patrick Mullins rode his first winner, while in 2011, Hanlon would give a young Rachel Blackmore her first-ever winner under rules.

In 2012, Hanlon would have his first-ever runner in the Grand National with Alfa Beat running in the race, ridden by Davy Russell. They didn’t get too far, though, exiting the race at the seventh fence. More than a decade later, Hanlon would be back with his second runner when Cape Gentleman ran at Aintree in 2023, but again, it wasn’t to be as he was pulled up at fence 13.

Grade One Success with a Small Purchase

Perhaps the best story around the success of Shark Hanlon is the story of Skyace. He purchased the horse for just £600, and it was this horse that gave him his first ever Grade One success. In 2021, Skyface won the Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday, finally getting him his success at the top table.

Known as a shrewd operator, a good buyer and one who loves a bargain, it was the type of success you would expect to see Hanlon have. But doing it, and winning a Grade One with a horse so cheap, is an exceptional achievement.