Three-time Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott is under investigation by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board after a disturbing photograph was circulated on social media this weekend. In it, Elliott appears astride a stricken horse on the ground while making a peace sign. Some versions of the image have the caption “New work rider.”
Elliott acknowledged the photograph late Saturday night with a Tweet:
“I'm aware of a photo circulating on social media. The IHRB have been in contact with me regarding this photo and I will be cooperating fully with their investigation.”
On Sunday, he published an apology on his social media accounts, beginning: “Firstly, I apologize 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.”
Both Horse Racing Ireland and the British Horseracing Authority have condemned the photograph, and Betfair has discontinued its association with the top national hunt trainer.
“While we recognize that Gordon deeply regrets and apologized unreservedly for his poor judgement, his actions are completely at odds with the values of the Betfair brand and that of our employees,” a spokesperson told racingpost.com. “With that in mind, we have decided to discontinue our association with Gordon with immediate effect.”
Following is Horse Racing Ireland's statement:
“Horse Racing Ireland unreservedly condemns the disturbing photograph that appeared on social media at the weekend.
“This image does not reflect the care, attention and respect that racehorses receive, and does a disservice to the thousands of people who look after their horses on a daily basis. Horse Racing Ireland notes and supports the IHRB investigation into the circumstances around the photograph.
“From a disciplinary perspective, the matter is in process, so any further comment on the matter or the detail of the case at this time would not be appropriate.”
Following is the British Horseracing Authority's statement:
“The BHA is appalled by the image that appeared this weekend. We expect all those in our sport to demonstrate respect for horses, on the racecourse, in the training yard, on the gallops, and wherever they have horses in their care.
“People who work in our industry believe their values – of caring for and respecting our horses – have been deeply undermined by this behaviour. On their behalf, and on behalf of all horse-lovers, we say unequivocally that British horseracing finds this totally unacceptable.
“The BHA is considering its own regulatory options, recognizing that the Irish authorities license Mr. Elliott and are carrying out their own investigation.”
Following is Elliott's full statement from Sunday:
“I would like to address the speculation and rumors that have been rife since an old photo of me began circulating on social media yesterday afternoon.
“Firstly, I apologize 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.
“At what was a sad time, which it is when any horse under my care passes away, my initial reaction was to get the body removed from where it was positioned.
“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.
“Such background information may seem trivial at this time and will not allay the concerns of many people both within and outside the world of horse racing.
“However, I feel it is important to provide people with some context surrounding this photo. To the racing community, to anyone who has worked with and loves horses and to anyone offended by this image I cannot apologize enough.
“Horse welfare and the care and attention to detail involved is absolutely at the core of everything we do here and both myself and all of my team pride ourselves on those standards.
“Again I apologize 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.”
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