The Irish racing world was shocked this week when a picture of Gordon Elliott sitting on top of a dead horse began circulating on social media over the weekend.

The leading trainer confirmed the picture was real and issued a statement late on Sunday night which read: “I apologise profoundly for any offence that this photo has caused and can categorically state that the welfare of each and every horse under my care is paramount and has been central to the success that we have enjoyed here at Cullentra [Elliott’s Co Meath training yard].

“The photo in question was taken some time ago and occurred after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops. I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth.”

Elliott’s statement went on to explain his own version of the context around the photo, and stated: “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. 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.

“Horse welfare and the care and attention to detail involved is absolutely at the core of everything we do here and both myself and all of my team pride ourselves on those standards.”

Investigation

Elliott also announced he will cooperate with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), which has launched an investigation into the incident, the findings of which may well be in the public domain by the time this edition has gone to print.

On Monday morning the betting exchange operator Betfair announced it has discontinued its long-term association with Elliott, who served as an ambassador for the company.

Cheveley Park Stud, owners of Envoi Allen and a number of other high class horses in Elliott’s yard tweeted that it would await the findings of the IHRB investigation before making any decision regarding the future of their horses’ involvement with Elliott.

However, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, who alongside his brother Eddie operate under the Gigginstown House Stud banner which has long been Elliott’s biggest supplier of horses, announced his operation will continue to support the trainer.

British ban

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced on Monday evening that Elliott is banned from saddling runners in Britain pending the result of the IHRB investigation.

Such a ruling jeopardises the running plans of Elliott’s Cheltenham squad which was set to be between 50-60 horses.