NICKY HENDERSON has snapped up a rival trainer’s ‘very talented’ son as his new jockey ahead of the jumps season.
Legendary Seven Barrows boss Hendo watched in disbelief as the late Shishkin threw away the 2023 King George and Shark Hanlon’s Hewick came from nowhere to win.
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But that’s all water under the bridge now – and the two handlers have reached an agreement for Paddy Hanlon, Shark’s son, to join Henderson’s team at his Berkshire base.
Paddy, 18, rode out his 7lb claim with a victory at Downpatrick last month.
His first win under rules came in Britain rather than his native Ireland, when he scored at Worcester in June 2023.
Paddy has impressed in the saddle riding a load of his old man’s horses, including winning on stable star Hewick at Thurles in March.
And those talents have not gone unnoticed by Henderson.
He will add the ‘very talented’ Paddy to his riding ranks alongside stable No1 Nico de Boinville, James Bowen and fellow claimer Freddie Gordon.
Breaking the news on Racing TV, Paddy said: “We won’t have many for the winter so I said I’d take a chance to go somewhere.
“It’s fantastic to get involved in the yard and I’m really looking forward to it.
“Nicky’s a hall of fame trainer and has been one of the best for a long time now.”
Shark said the move was confirmed in a recent visit to Henderson’s HQ, where the likes of Constitution Hill, Sir Gino and Lulamba are gearing up for the season ahead.
The Irish trainer, who gave Rachael Blackmore her big breakthrough, said: “We went up to Nicky’s and we had a great hour chatting.
“The gallops and his yard are amazing. Everything is so quiet in his yard, which I love.
“He was delighted that Paddy’s going to go over to him.
“He’s only 18 and he has to learn. I think it’s a great opportunity for Paddy to get into a yard like that.”
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