[ad_1]
Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)
“title =” Gordon Elliott – apologized for the shocking image “class =” js-imageLoader “data-at-xn =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2018/10/23/ 51173- medium.jpeg “data-br-n =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2018/10/23/51173-medium.jpeg “data-br-m =” https: // www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2018/10/23/51173-large.jpeg “data-br-w =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2018 / 10 /23/51173-large.jpeg “data-br-xw =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2018/10/23/51173-large.jpeg “onclick =” return false; “>
By James Burn
Leading sportsbook Betfair has discontinued partnering with Gordon Elliott as ambassador after a shocking image emerged over the weekend of top trainer sitting on a dead horse.
Elliott apologized Sunday for his actions, explaining that he was distracted by a phone call while waiting for the horse, which suffered an apparent heart attack, to be pulled out of the gallop.
However, Betfair issued a statement on Monday morning that read: “While we acknowledge that Gordon deeply regrets and apologized unreservedly for his poor judgment, his actions are completely at odds with the values of the Betfair brand and those of our employees.
“With that in mind, we have decided to discontinue our partnership with Gordon with immediate effect.”
Based out of Cullentra House Stables in County Meath, Elliott also said it would fully cooperate with an Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board (IHRB) investigation into the image, which is said to be a few years old, but appeared in Twitter on Saturday night sparking protests on social media.
The BHA, which governs the sport in Great Britain, also urged Irish authorities to act swiftly as races prepare for this month’s Cheltenham Festival, one of the biggest weeks on their calendar and in which Elliott is represented. regularly and in large numbers.
“title =” Don Cossack – Elliott Gold Cup Winner “class =” js-imageLoader “data-at-xn =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2018/05/17 / 42864- medium.jpeg “data-br-n =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2018/05/17/42864-medium.jpeg “data-br-m =” https : // www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2018/05/17/42864-large.jpeg “data-br-w =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/ 2018/05 /17/42864-large.jpeg “data-br-xw =” https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2018/05/17/42864-large.jpeg “onclick =” return false; “>
Rose to fame in 2007 when he led Silver Birch to victory at the Grand National and also won the 2018 and 2019 races of the sport’s most famous award with Tiger Roll, while capturing the 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup with Don. Cossack.
They have been associated with Betfair since 2016, regularly blogging about their brokers on their website and participating in promotional videos.
The firm, which is part of a global gambling giant alongside Paddy Power under the Flutter Entertainment banner, also employs other big names such as Paul Nicholls, Ryan Moore and Joseph O’Brien in ambassadorial roles.
Elliott, who will turn 43 on Tuesday, initially tweeted on Saturday night that he was aware the image was in circulation and then, on Sunday night, issued a statement that included his apology and emphasized his commitment to well-being. equine.
“For the racing community, for anyone who has ever worked with and loves horses, and for anyone who is offended by this image, I cannot apologize enough,” the part reads.
“The well-being of the horse and the care and attention to detail involved is absolutely fundamental to everything we do here and I and my entire team pride ourselves on those standards.”
More to read:
Gordon Elliott in strong position for festival downsides as overall registrations drop
‘I hope you run for the public’ – Gordon Elliott on Tiger Roll’s National Bid
The Triumph festival goal for Zanahiyr when Gordon Elliott discards ultimate change
Gordon Elliott criticizes ‘barbaric’ decision while keeping controversial result
The Triumph festival goal for Zanahiyr when Gordon Elliott discards ultimate change
Check out the Racing Post Cheltenham Festival microsite for the latest tips and odds on each Festival race. Cheltenham’s best betting tips and exclusive free bet offers all in one place.
FIRST POST 9:55 AM, MARCH 1, 2021
