Irish trainer Gordon Elliott banned for 12 months for dead horse photo

Gordon Elliott has been handed a 12-month ban, with the last six months suspended, for the image on social media of the Grand Nationa-winning trainer sitting on a dead horse.

An Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board hearing also ordered Elliott to pay costs of €15,000.

In a statement issued late on Sunday evening, Elliott confirmed the image was genuine and apologised "profoundly for any offence that this photo has caused", while seeking to explain what he said was the "context" of events that led to the picture.

The image was roundly condemned by racing authorities in Britain and Ireland, with the IHRB announcing an immediate investigation and the British Horseracing Authority issuing a temporary suspension on Elliott's runners until its conclusion.

On Tuesday, leading owners Cheveley Park Stud removed their horses from Elliott, with the unbeaten Envoi Allen one of those to join Henry de Bromhead.

Additional reporting by Press Association.