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The Great Defector

Gigginstown House To Stand By Gordon Elliot - O'Leary

Monday, 1 March 2021 07:49

Elliott made a public apology last night for any offence caused by a photograph that emerged on social media.

Gigginstown House Stud owner Michael O'Leary has said he will "continue to support" trainer Gordon Elliott.

Elliott made a public apology last night for any offence caused by a photograph that emerged on social media of him sitting on a dead horse.

O'Leary - who enjoyed Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National success with the Meath trainer - said in a statement today that the "care and welfare of all our animals comes first".

But he adds that he believes it was a "momentary lapse of judgement" and that he accepts the apology.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board launched an investigation into the photo yesterday.

Elliott says that he is cooperating fully with the IHRB.

The trainer says the image was taken some time ago, and came after the sudden death of one of his horses on the gallops.

In the picture, Elliott appears to be making the "peace" gesture with his fingers.

However in his statement, he claims he was gesturing to a colleague to wait until he was finished with his phonecall.

Horse Racing Ireland say they unreservedly condemn the "disturbing" photograph.

H-R-I also say they are supporting the I-H-R-B investigation into the picture.

While the British Horseracing Authority is considering its own regulatory options.

In a statement the B-H-A say it is appalled by the image and that people who work in the industry have been "deeply undermined" by this behaviour.

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