Denis Egan, CEO of the IHRB© Photo Healy Racing
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board issued the following statement this evening following the decision of their Referrals Committee to suspend the licence of trainer Gordon Elliott for a total of six months:
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body (IHRB) notes the decision of the Referrals Committee
involving trainer Gordon Elliott to suspend him for 12 months, of which the second six
months are suspended. Mr. Elliott was found in breach of Rule 272(i) which relates to the
proper conduct and good reputation of horse racing following the circulation of a picture
showing Mr. Elliott sitting on a dead horse.
Ireland is recognised internationally as being a world leader in the racing industry. This
success is based on the highest professional standards being followed by all participants.
Where rules are breached they will be dealt with rigorously, fully, and impartially by the
IHRB.
This case was heard by the Referrals Committee today, chaired by Mr. Justice Raymond
Groarke, accompanied by The Hon. Mrs. Justice Siobhan Keegan and Mr. Nick Wachman.
Speaking about the decision of the Referrals Committee, Denis Egan, CEO of the IHRB said:
“Where breaches of rules occur and where participants in racing act in a manner that brings
the sport into disrepute, there are no winners, and in fact, the loss is to Irish racing with
damage to the reputation of the sport. Having acted with thoroughness and having followed
due process at all times, the IHRB team are satisfied that the case has been dealt with fairly
and appropriately.
“Our team who prepared the case worked tirelessly since the issue emerged just a few days
ago and ensured their investigation, presented today and with the support of our legal
team, was thorough, fair to the parties involved, and above all, focused on ensuring that the
integrity and good reputation of the sport is upheld.”
The IHRB will carry out unannounced stableyard inspections on more than 100 days this
year in addition to sampling over 5,000 horses, regulating over 380 race meetings,
approximately 100 Point-to-Point fixtures and will pursue with impartiality any rule
breaches that we uncover.
Mr. Egan added: “Ireland and its racehorse trainers, riders, breeders and workers are held in
high regard globally providing some of the very best horses and the very best racing talent.
“We recognise the heartfelt upset that this matter has caused to people inside and outside
of racing, none more so than to the staff employed by Mr. Elliott. We also see at first hand
both on the racecourse and as part of our stable inspection programme that horses receive
unrivalled care, attention, and affection. Indeed, as part of the investigation into this very
case, an unannounced stable inspection of Mr. Elliott’s yard this week led to no concerns
about the welfare of the horses in his care, as has been the case during any other inspection
we carried out at his premises each year. In our opinion the incident covered in today’s
hearing is not reflective of Irish racing.”