TARA Cogan will be the official trainer of Hewick and approximately a dozen other horses in Shark Hanlon’s yard from Sunday.

From December 1st, Hanlon begins a six-month suspension, although he hopes the final three months may be suspended. The ban was imposed by the Referrals Committee of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board which ruled Hanlon had acted in a manner that “caused significant prejudice to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of the sport of racing” in the removal of a dead horse from his yard earlier this year.

As his partner Rachel O’Neill was unable to sit the course required to secure a trainer’s licence at short notice, Hanlon was forced to find another licence holder who could take his place for the duration of the suspension.

Speaking to The Irish Field on Friday evening, Hanlon said: “I have known Tara Cogan for years. She is from Castledermot and has brought horses to work at our place in the past. She offered to help me if she could and I have asked her to take over in the yard.

“Tara is bringing two horses of her own and we have about eight or 10 for the winter. We have sold quite a few and we are restocking at the moment.

“I am going to let Tara and Rachel run things. I will be stepping aside and, to tell you the truth, I am looking forward to the break. It’s been a tough year. Both Rachel and myself buried our fathers this year. I have a sister in America who is unwell and I am going over there with my mother for a few weeks.”

Stable star Hewick remains in contention for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on December 26th, a race he famously won last year. Hanlon commented: “He’s in the King George and some other races over Christmas and, if he runs, he will run in Tara’s name. Tara knows Hewick’s owner, T.J. McDonald, which is another help. I am leaving all the decisions to Tara and Rachel. In mid-February I can apply to the Licensing Committee to have my licence returned for March 1st.”