Gordon Elliot under investigation after image of him sat on top of a dead horse surfaces

Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliot is under investigation after an image appearing to show him sat on top of a dead horse while on the phone and making a peace gesture emerges on social media

Gordon Taylor is under investigation over a image circulating online
The picture allegedly shows Taylor sat on a dead horse while on the phone
The Grand National-winning trainer is aware of the image and co-operating

Published: 20:18 EST, 27 February 2021 | Updated: 20:43 EST, 27 February 2021

Gordon Elliot is being investigated after an image circulated on social media which appeared to show the Grand National-winning trainer sitting on a dead horse.

Elliott, who led horse Tiger Roll to back-to-back Grand National victories in 2018 and 2019, has confirmed he is co-operating fully after the image was widely shared on Twitter on Saturday.

The picture, which some reports suggested may have been digitally altered, allegedly shows Elliott sitting on what appears to be a dead horse while on the phone and holding up two fingers in a ‘peace’ gesture.

Gordon Elliot is being investigated after an image appearing to show him sat on top of a dead horse emerged on social media

The Grand National-winning training is aware of the photo and co-operating with investigators

Elliott is now under investigation by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB).

‘I’m aware of a photo in circulation on social media,’ said Elliott in a statement on Saturday night. ‘The IHRB have been in contact with me regarding this photo and I will be cooperating fully with their investigation.’

IHRB chief executive Denis Egan said: ‘The photo is being investigated. Nothing else can be said at this stage until we have carried out the investigation, but it will be done quickly.’

Many social media users have raised doubts over the image’s validity though a source close to the photographer claimed it was taken last June at the gallops owned by the champions trainer in Ireland.

Elliott is one of horse racing’s most well-known trainers and has enjoyed multiple Grand National wins, including becoming the youngest trainer to win the National with Silver Birch in 2007. As well as leading Tiger Roll to successive National wins, Elliott has also trained 32 Cheltenham winners.