Matt Chapman on the Gordon Elliott photo – his actions were unacceptable but hateful reaction has been just as bad
TRAINER Gordon Elliott was last night banned for six months and fined €15,000 — but racing will feel a penalty for much longer.
I can’t tell you how proud I am to work in the sport, but it’s been a rough week.
It’s hard to believe that anyone reading this isn’t aware of Elliott’s plight.
And there is simply no defence for his actions. They were unacceptable — even unforgiveable to some.
Of course I understand the upset caused, but the hate-filled reaction of some has been equally abhorrent and often insulting.
You see, it’s one thing making your distress loud and clear for all to hear and see.
It’s quite another doing it in a way that lacks all class and decency.
For an industry that justifiably sells itself to non-believers by emphasising the care and attention horses are afforded it was a hammer blow, probably the worst the Sport of Kings has had to endure in recent memory.
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And in general terms it was a lesson for all of us to act in a decent manner and prepare for the consequences if we don’t.
What’s more, it serves as a cautionary tale that in the modern world very little is private. You record something, whether it be words or on video, the chances are someone will get a copy.
For Elliott himself the image screamed at people that he had no respect or care for the horses he trains. That, of course, is far from the truth. But one picture says a thousand words.
Who could blame those who immediately felt anger, upset and outrage? No one.
The full repercussions for Elliott are coming to fruition. But some ramifications came quickly.
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Leading owner Cheveley Park Stud immediately removed all their horses, including Envoi Allen, ante-post hotpot for the Grade 1 Marsh Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival a week on Thursday.
Betfair ceased its backing of the yard, while the sponsorship of eCOMM Merchant Solutions was removed.
Perhaps the real casualty of this act of mindless stupidity will be felt by a sport constantly having to justify its existence.
People in the UK are more and more detached from the countryside and therefore ‘horsey’ life. Younger generations are equally more and more conscious of, and opinionated about, the treatment of all animals.
The anti-racing brigade will be hard to silence on the back of this chaos.
But no ban or fine could match either the personal trauma or the guilt he will feel in terms of the misery he has forced upon his staff.
The latter have come out in force this week to support their boss, and it’s been a powerful message to watch young and old, male and female, Irish and British employees back their leader.
Those same staff members have been in floods of tears as they have come to terms with seeing their pride and joys leave the Elliott yard. It has been horrible for everyone.
Many of you will have no sympathy for Elliott. Indeed many will say his act was of a mindless thug who deserves everything that comes his way. And I get that.
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Elliott will be haunted forever by his act of abhorrent stupidity.
I’m not a religious man in any way. But at this time words from the Bible can make much sense.
Matthew 6:15 tells us: “If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” In this case I think that applies.
Racing will have to be on the front foot more than ever. But I’m proud to be part of this game.
Even though I’m an outsider in the sport, the care and attention I have witnessed lavished on the horse by those in it has been truly heartwarming.
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