Updated 1745 Friday, 5th March
Gordon Elliott has been banned from racing for a period of twelve months but with six months suspended. He has agreed to the sanction which will come into effect on March 9th
He will also have to pay costs to the IHRB of €15,000.
The decision was taken after Elliott was found to be in breach of Rule 272 in the Irish Racing rule Book that he acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing.
The case was heard by Raymond Groarke, Nich Wachman and Siobahn Keegan, all of a legal background
The ruling reads that “A photograph was published on social media this past weekend showing licensed trainer Gordon Elliott sitting astride a horse who appeared to be dead.”
“This photograph caused considerable public dismay and anger given not only what was depicted but also the jovial demeanour and gesticulations of Mr Elliott.”
“In short order, the IHRB received an avalanche of complaints and the matter was rightly and fully scrutinised on the media.”
The ruling went on to say 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 he stills remains in his charge.”
It says that “serious damage has been caused to a sport enjoyed and loved by so many.”
The back story of the publication of the photograph is also touched on.
In the view of the committee, there is also a sinister aspect to this case,” and that it is “part of a concerted personal attack on Mr Elliott.”
It says that the suspension is merited despite the impact it will have on many employed by Elliott but that it is needed to deter “this type of behaviour.”
Attention will now turn to the short and long term fate of the horse in his yard, including many who hold prominent positions in the markets for Cheltenham, and many owned by Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary.
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Published at 10 AM Friday 5th March
Racehorse Trainer Gordon Elliott’s hearing before the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board got underway this morning at 0930 but media gathered at the Board Headquarters at The Curragh reported that it was not taking place there.
There is no time frame on whether the Board will finalise their hearing and deliberation today, or on whether they will publish a finding.
There is of course intense public interest in the outcome but the wheels of justice often quite rightly grind slower that the frenzy of a trial by social media.
Elliott will have seven days to appeal any disciplinary sanction given to him which could range from a fine to disqualification from the sport.
Again there is no set time period on which any suspension might apply and Gardaí have already ruled out any criminal offence having taken place leading to the publication of the now infamous picture of his sitting astride a horse who had died at his racing stables in County Meath.
We will update this story as it develops.
Sport for Business Partners
