Reynolds vows to support Elliott

Prominent owner Philip Reynolds has vowed to stand by trainer Gordon Elliott, who is currently under investigation.

Elliott will attend an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board hearing on Friday after a photo emerged of the trainer sitting on a dead horse on his gallops.

The British Horse Racing Authority has announced that Elliott won’t be permitted to have runners in Britain until the issue is resolved.

Cheveley Park Stud confirmed on Tuesday that they would be moving all eight of their horses to the stables of Willie Mullins and Henry de Bromhead.

Reynolds currently has eight horses at Elliott’s County Meath yard, including Presenting Percy, and has vowed to stick by the trainer.

In a statement, Reynolds said: “None of us has a monopoly on shock, horror, disappointment, anger and sadness – and having spent my life owning horses and in the pet industry, believe me, in this case, I own as much of those feelings as anyone else.

“My professional relationship with Gordon dates back more than five years. In that regard and having been to his yard a number of times, I have no hesitation saying his facilities are world-class – and as a trainer, well, his record speaks for itself.

“The authorities will deal with Gordon, but his trial has already played out. We have stripped him bare and flogged him in public. The scars of this week are his ultimate punishment, ones that will live with him long after we have all moved on to the next event.

“For all these reasons, and accepting this is a one-time error of judgement, I will stay with Gordon – and I hope we can all find it in our hearts not to destroy him.”