The image of Grand National winning trainer Gordon Elliott, apparently posing for a photo sitting on a dead horse, has sparked horror and rage in British racing circles as authorities weigh in on what to do against the Irishman
LONDON – The image of Grand National winning trainer Gordon Elliott, apparently posing for a photo sitting on a dead horse, sparked horror and rage in British racing circles on Monday as authorities weighed in on what to do against the Irishman.
Elliott, one of the most famous sports figures in Britain and Ireland, apologized when confirming the authenticity of an undated photo that was shared on Twitter on Saturday, showing him sitting on a horse that had just died of a heart attack. after a training run.
One of his most renowned employers, Cheveley Park Stud, said he was “truly horrified” by the image and the bookmaker Betfair left Elliott as ambassador, saying his actions were not consistent with his “values”.
They were feelings echoed by the body that commands British horse racing in a forceful statement.
“People who work in our industry believe that their values - of caring for and respecting our horses – have been profoundly harmed by this behavior,” said the British Horse Racing Authority.
The BHA said he was shocked ”by the image, adding:“ On behalf of all horse lovers, we say out loud that British horse racing finds this totally unacceptable. “
In his complicated explanation of an incident that he said occurred “some time ago”, Elliott said he was waiting for the horse’s body – which was not named – to be taken away when he received a phone call and sat on the horse “without think”. The image shows him in a pose, holding two fingers while riding the horse.
The Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Council is investigating the incident and the BHA said it is “considering its own regulatory options”.
The Jockey Club, a trade organization that owns many of Britain’s top race tracks, including Cheltenham and Epsom, said Elliott’s actions “did not reflect the respect and care that racehorses receive from participants in our sport. “.
“Anger and boredom during races say it all,” he said.
Elliott was a Grand National winning coach three times, first in 2007 with Silver Birch. He then trained Tiger Roll to become the first consecutive winner of the horse racing’s most arduous jumping race – in 2018 and 19 – since Red Rum in the 1970s.
He trained 32 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, where he was the best coach twice. He finished as runner-up in the coaches’ championship for each of the past eight seasons and is second in the season just a few weeks before his star series – led by undefeated Envoi Allen – heads for Cheltenham.
Elliott did not come from a family of runners like many important coaches. He was a relatively successful amateur pilot and later worked for Martin Pipe before trying it alone.
Tiger Roll could still make him the first trainer to win three consecutive Grand Nationals and the horse’s owner, Michael O’Leary, is one of the few to support Elliott.
“We accept that this photograph was a painful but momentary lapse of Gordon’s judgment,” said O’Leary, who runs Operation Gigginstown House Stud and is also CEO of low-cost airline Ryanair, “and does not agree with our 15 years’ experience of your concern and attention to the welfare of our horses.
“We all make mistakes and the important thing is to learn from them and make sure we don’t repeat them. We accept Gordon’s sincere, profound and unreserved apology and will continue to support him and his team. ”
The Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Council said its investigation will be dealt with “as soon as possible”.
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Steve Douglas is at https://twitter.com/sdouglas80