Top trainer’s licence suspended for a year over ‘appalling’ dead horse picture

GORDON Elliott’s training licence has been suspended for a year by the Irish horse racing authorities.

An investigation found the trainer “acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation” of horseracing.

Mr Elliott has been “co-operating fully” with the probe after a photograph of him sitting on a dead horse was posted on social media last weekend.

Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s referrals committee, said: “We consider that a suspension of Mr Elliott’s training licence is merited.

“In all of the circumstances of this case, to reflect the seriousness of the offence and the damage to the Irish racing industry, to deter other offences of this nature and having taken into account the mitigating factors we have heard we consider the period should be 12 months, however, the last six months of this will be suspended.”

He said the referrals committee is of the view that the photograph shows the most “appalling bad taste” on the part of Mr Elliott insofar as it demonstrates a “complete absence of respect” for the horse at a time when it still remained in his charge.

“We believe that respect is an integral and essential part of the duty owing by those in charge of animals alive or dead.

“It is undoubtedly and most regrettably the case that the reputation and integrity of horseracing has consequently been brought into disrepute and has been prejudiced and serious damage has been caused to a sport enjoyed and loved by so many.”

The top Irish trainer is now subject to a temporary British Horseracing Authority ban on running any of his string in Britain, while Cheveley Park Stud have moved their high-profile horses away from his yard.

Among those is the unbeaten Envoi Allen, who is now in the care of Henry de Bromhead.

The 43-year-old is one of racing’s most high-profile personalities. He has apologised and said it was a “moment of madness”.

Mr Elliott has accepted that his conduct was “disgraceful”, “horrific” and “wholly inappropriate and distasteful”.

He also accepts that his conduct was indefensible and inimical to the reputation of horse racing and he recognises the damage he has caused to the reputation of horse racing, the committee considering his conduct said.

Mr Elliott said he had been dealt with fairly.