IHRB banned prominent Irish horse trainer Gordon Elliott after a picture of him sitting on a dead horse went viral; Elliott will face IHRB hearing tomorrow
DUBLIN: The investigation into Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott (42) is in progress, after a picture of him sitting on a dead horse was circulated on social media over the weekend. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) recently confirmed that Elliott will face a hearing this Friday as part of the investigation.
Although it is understood that the controversial image was taken from Elliott’s Meath gallops, it has not yet been confirmed when it was taken. On the day the image went viral on social media, Elliott admitted his mistake and apologized to everyone. He said it wasn’t taken recently, but some time ago. However, Elliott has assured that he will continue his full cooperation with the ongoing IHRB investigation.
Elliott describes the incident as a ‘moment of madness’ and realizes that he is going to be punished for it. “It is indefensible. Whether alive or dead, the horse was entitled to dignity. A moment of madness that I am going to have to spend the rest of my life paying for and that my staff are suffering for,” he said. Elliott’s career as a trainer has significantly affected with this incident.
What actually happened? What does Elliott say…
On Saturday, February 27, a picture of Trainer Gordon Elliott sitting on what looks like a dead horse while on the phone, holding up two fingers in a ‘peace’ gesture, went viral on social media.
Elliott, who said that the welfare of his horses was paramount, realized the mistake and apologised to everyone. However, he said that the photo had been taken ‘some time ago’, and that he had denied allegations that his actions had been ‘callous.’
Elliott, who led horse Tiger Roll to back-to-back Grand National victories in 2018 and 2019 said: “Firstly, I apologise profoundly for any offence that this photo has caused and can categorically state that the welfare of each and every horse under my care is paramount and has been central to the success that we have enjoyed here at Cullentra.
“The photo in question was taken some time ago and occurred after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops. I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth.”
“I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it. Hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished,” he explained.
Elliott said that what is being spread through social media is ‘falsehoods and misinformation’. However, he assured that full cooperation would continue with the ongoing investigation.
“Again I apologise for any offence caused and ask people to consider this statement as opposed to the various falsehoods and misinformation being circulated on social media. At this time I would like to stress that I continue to extend my full cooperation with the ongoing IHRB investigation,” he said.
IHRB & BHA
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) Chief Executive Denis Egan said the investigation of the controversial photo is ongoing.
As Elliott does not fall under the jurisdiction of the British authorities, the British Horseracing Authority has asked the IHRB to quickly disclose the truth behind the image. However, the prominent Irish horse trainer has also been suspended from racing in Britain.
A BHA spokesperson said: “We hope the Irish authorities will quickly confirm how this shocking picture originated. The IHRB have assured us that the investigation will be carried out as quickly as possible and that they will keep us informed as more information becomes available.”
However, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) confirmed that Gordon Elliott will face a hearing on this Friday.
Consequences
Gordon Elliott is not allowed to compete in British competitions due to the ongoing investigation. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has said that Elliott will not be allowed to ride horses in the UK. The decision comes two weeks before the Cheltenham Festival, which features several horses trained by Elliott.
Meanwhile, the picture was widely condemned. About 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for Elliott to be banned by British authorities. The betting giant Betfair also ended their partnership with Elliott.
The owners of the horses currently trained by Elliott have transferred them to another trainer. Cheveley Park Stud will move their horses to the yards of trainers Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead.
“We have eight horses (with Elliott) and they’ll go to Henry de Bromhead and Willie Mullins. That will be organised by Chris Richardson (Cheveley Park’s managing director) and the team. Logistics are in place and we’re organising it right now,” said Cheveley Park director Richard Thompson.
Michael O’Leary in support of Gordon Elliott
Meanwhile, Gigginstown House Stud and Ryanair owner Michael O’Leary have announced his support for Gordon Elliott.
Michael O’Leary and Elliott most notably combine to win the two Randox Grand Nationals at Aintree with the hugely popular Tiger Roll. The pair also won the 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Don Cossack.
Mr. O’Leary defined the photograph as “unacceptable,” but said he accepted Eliott’s “sincere, profound and unreserved apology”. “We accept that this photograph was a grievous but momentary lapse of judgement by Gordon, and not in keeping with our 15-year experience of his concern for and attention to the welfare of our horses.”
“We all make mistakes, and what is important is that we learn from them and ensure we do not repeat them. We accept Gordon’s sincere, profound and unreserved apology and we will continue to support him and his team at Cullentra, as they work to recover from this deeply regrettable incident,” Mr. O’Leary said.
Ministers with criticism
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said he was shocked to see a photo of Elliott sitting on a dead horse. In a statement, he said: “The photograph is not reflective of the highest animal welfare standards we demand for the sector nor does it reflect the tremendous care horses receive in Ireland. It is not the kind of image we want associated with horse racing in Ireland.
“I am aware of the investigation being carried out by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body (IHRB) and support the move. As this is an ongoing investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further,” he added.
Green Party Cabinet Minister Pippa Hackett said the picture was “quite sickening”. She also welcomed the investigation by the IHRB.
The Minster of State in Department of Agriculture added that it is “appalling to see a high-profile trainer behave in such a manner”.
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