D-DAY FOR ELLIOTT
Trainer set to face inquiry
GORDON ELLIOTT will learn the cost of the photo that shocked the racing world when he appears on a disrepute charge before the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board today.
The 43-year-old has been at the centre of a storm since a picture of him sitting on a dead horse – revealed to be the Michael O’learyowned four-time winner Morgan – on his Co Meath gallops was published on social media on Saturday.
And the Cheltenham Gold Cup and three-time Grand National winner faces a ban from racing at the Referrals Committee hearing, due to begin at 9.30am.
Elliott has already been hit by the removal of horses owned by the Cheveley Park Stud, including unbeaten superstar Envoi Allen, who is now in the care of Henry de Bromhead.
Co Waterford-based de Bromhead, who revealed he had received a “really helpful” insight from Elliott about the new arrivals, said last night: “It’s obviously not the circumstances of how you’d like to get horses, but I feel fortunate that Cheveley Park have decided to send them to us.”
De Bromhead has also been sent Ballyadam and Quilixos from Cheveley Park and he added: “They came down and they looked great when they arrived here, so it’s just a case of trying to tick them over and not let the change of regime upset them too much.
“If we can do as good a job as Gordon has done with them, we’ll be delighted. “It is a big change for them and you try and keep it as simple as possible.” With the Cheltenham Festival starting in 11 days, the British Horseracing Authority, which has the power to prevent Elliott’s horses from running in Britain if he escapes a ban, will keep a close eye on events today.
Should Elliott’s licence be suspended, a senior member of staff at the Cullentra stable – assisted by jockey Davy Russell – is expected to take the helm and prepare the yard’s runners for Cheltenham, which starts on March 16.