Nicky Henderson finds new conditional rider in 18-year-old son of King George-winning trainer

Paddy Hanlon, son of King George-winning trainer Shark, is joining Nicky Henderson as a conditional rider next month.

The 18-year-old rode out his 7lb claim when successful on Pahlavi at Downpatrick last month, the first part of a fourth career double for the teenager. Hanlon will join Nico de Boinville, James Bowen and 3lb claimer Freddie Gordon at Seven Barrows in search of greater opportunities through the winter.

Hanlon won the 2022 Dingle Derby on The Auld House before partnering his first winner under rules as a 16-year-old in a Worcester bumper on Chef D’Etat in June 2023.

Hanlon has ridden six further winners for his father in Britain as well as 14 in Ireland, including when partnering stable star Hewick to victory over hurdles at Thurles in March.

A conversation with Jessica Harrington at Leopardstown alerted the Hanlons that Henderson was looking for a conditional. 

"We won’t have many for the winter so I said I’d take a chance to go somewhere," Hanlon told Racing TV's Luck On Sunday programme. "It’s fantastic to get involved in the yard. 

Paddy Hanlon: "It's fantastic to get involved in the yard"Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"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."

Paddy Hanlon led up Hewick to win the 2023 King George and he also had a stint with Charlie and Francesca Poste in Warwickshire.

The Hanlons visited Seven Barrows last weekend and Shark Hanlon said: "We went up to Nicky’s. 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."

Read these next:

'It's a very special day for the family' - 16-year-old Paddy Hanlon rides first winner for father Shark 

'I think he'll win straight away' - Shark Hanlon's promising Sharing Is Caring among ThoroughBid August Sale entries 

Shark Hanlon set to run two as new track in Wales welcomes Irish runners to International meeting 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.