Elliot set for shock image hearing

After almost a week of speculation and controversy, Gordon Elliott will move a step closer to learning the professional cost of the damaging image of him sitting astride a dead horse when the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board conducts its hearing into the incident on Friday night (Australian time).

It seems unlikely that the trainer will saddle runners at the Cheltenham Festival, with the BHA having the power under its rules to extend the temporary block on Elliott entries regardless of the outcome of the case.

It is unclear whether the referrals panel will deliver a verdict on Friday, but should the Cheltenham Gold Cup and three-time Grand National-winning trainer have his licence suspended, it is understood that contingency plans for the immediate future of his string are under consideration at his Cullentra House base. Elliott would have seven days to appeal against any potential penalty.

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