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BHA: Elliott must transfer horses by Monday to allow Cheltenham entries

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has responded to Gordon Elliott's six-month ban from raci...
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

19.51 5 Mar 2021


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BHA: Elliott must transfer hor...

BHA: Elliott must transfer horses by Monday to allow Cheltenham entries

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

19.51 5 Mar 2021


Share this article


The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has responded to Gordon Elliott's six-month ban from racing. 

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Authority meted out a 12-month ban for the County Meath trainer, with the final six months of that ban suspended.

Elliott was also instructed to pay costs associated with the case of €15,000.

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From Monday March 9, Elliott will not be allowed to attend any race meeting or point-to-point. It follows the publication of him sitting astride a deceased horse on the gallops.

Elliott said on Friday evening he had "no complaints" over the IHRB ruling, saying he would "build back better" when his time is served.

He's already seen major owners like Cheveley Park Stud withdraw their horses - Envoi Allen among them - from his yard.

And if other horses in Elliott's care are to compete at Cheltenham and Aintree, owners will have to move quickly.

The BHA say his horses will be able to run, provided they're transferred directly to other licensed trainers prior to Elliott's ban commencing on March 9.

British Horseracing Authority statement: 

We welcome the fact that the Irish authorities have acted swiftly. The suspension will be reciprocated here in Great Britain. The existing restriction on Mr Elliott having runners in Great Britain will stay in place until the suspension takes effect on 9 March.

The IHRB Referrals Committee pointed to the fact that the photo showed appalling bad taste and demonstrates a complete absence of respect for the horse. We endorse these comments, and the view that respect is an integral and essential part of the duty of those in charge of animals.

Today’s decision confirms that horses will not be able to run at the Cheltenham Festival or Grand National Festival in the name of Gordon Elliott.

However, if horses are transferred directly to other licensed trainers prior to 9 March – when the suspension is due to commence – they will be able to run.

FRIDAY NIGHT RACING | Pat Keogh


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BHA British Horseracing Authority Cheltenham Cheltenham Festival Gordon Elliott Grand National IHRB Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board

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