I AM SO SORRY

Elliott apology for sitting on dead horse

GORDON Elliott faces massive a public relations rebuild, and possible sanctions from racing authorities, after an image appeared on social media of him sitting on a dead horse.

The leading trainer last night ‘profoundly’ apologised ‘for any offence he has caused and acknowledged the picture ‘taken some time ago’ at his County Meath yard could be interpreted as ‘callous and staged.’

In a statement to the Irish Racing Writers, Elliott defended his record on equine welfare, which he said was ‘at the core’ of his job, and explained the circumstances around the controversial shot which was circulated on Twitter on Saturday night.

‘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,’ he said.

‘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. ‘To the racing community, to anyone who has worked with and loves horses and to anyone offended by this image, I cannot apologise enough. ‘Horse welfare and the care and attention to detail involved is at the core of everything we do.’ Elliott accepts the photo reflects poorly on his reputation as a leading trainer in these islands. The dual Grand Nationalwinning

trainer could face a disrepute charge by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), who are investigating the case. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) described the photograph as ‘shocking’. ‘Respect for horses is a fundamental value of our sport, contrary to the impression in this picture,’ said a spokesman. Depending on the fall-out, the Newmarket-based Cheveley Park Stud may review its Elliott ties, which include Cheltenham Festival favourites Envoi Allen and Quilixios.