British ban puts Cheltenham entries in major doubt

TRAINER Gordon Elliott has been banned from having runners in the UK by the British Horseracing Authroity while their Irish counterparts investigate the shocking picture of him sitting on a dead horse while talking on his mobile phone.

The dramatic move throws a huge question mark over Elliott’s entries at the Cheltenham Festival which starts a fortnight today. They include his dual Grand National winner Tiger Roll and unbeaten Envoi Allen. The BHA described its decision as ‘proportionate in these circumstances’.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have so far given no indication when a disciplinary hearing might be held as they continue their investigation into the image that has circulated widely on social media with a damaging fall-out for the sport’s image.

The BHA statement said: ‘The BHA will not allow the Irish trainer Gordon Elliott to race horses in Britain whilst the Irish authorities investigate an image that appeared on social media over the weekend.

‘The trainer admitted the photo was genuine and apologised for his actions.’ The BHA’s move heaps pressure on the IHRB to swiftly investigate the circumstances surrounding the picture and take action.

The BHA had earlier condemned the image: ‘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.’