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Gordon Elliott has said he will “cooperate fully” with the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board after an investigation was launched into an alleged image of the lead coach that was posted on social media on Saturday.
The image was posted and widely shared on Twitter, with the Irish Sport Regulatory Board later tweeting: “The Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board is aware of an image circulating on social media and the matter is under investigation.” .
The image appears to show Elliott sitting on a galloping dead horse, although many people have commented on social media that it looks fake.
Elliott responded from his official Twitter account.
He posted: “I am aware of a photo in circulation on social media. The IHRB has contacted me regarding this photo and I will cooperate fully with their investigation. “
Speaking at lunchtime Sunday, an IHRB spokesperson said: “The investigation is ongoing and will be resolved as soon as possible.”
Elliott is a three-time Grand National winner, having sent Silver Birch to claim the Aintree award before Tiger Roll became the first consecutive race winner since Red Rum by lifting the marathon event in 2018 and 2019.
The County Meath handler also counts 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Don Cossack among the best horses he has ever trained, with 32 wins at the Cheltenham Festival so far.
Elliott hosts a number of favorites for this year’s Festival, including Envoi Allen and Zanahiyr, while Tiger Roll himself will also race Glenfarclas Chase over the Cheltenham cross country hurdles.
The British Horse Racing Authority has welcomed the IHRB investigation and looks forward to a speedy resolution.
A spokesperson said: “We hope that the Irish authorities will quickly confirm how this shocking image originated.
“Respect for horses is a fundamental value of our sport, contrary to what is printed in this image. The IHRB has assured us that the investigation will be carried out as quickly as possible and that they will keep us informed as more information becomes available. “
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