'Support Gordon' campaign gathering momentum

While the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board convenes to determine the fate of Gordon Elliott today and deliver its findings, there has been a growing chorus of support for the Summerhill man.

Three-time Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott apologised "profoundly" for an image which showed him sat on a dead horse last weekend with the Cullentra Stables man appearing in person to give evidence in the case held at a secret location.

The Longwood-based trainer is already under a temporary British Horseracing Authority ban on running any of his string in Britain, while top owners Cheveley Park Stud have moved their high-profile horses away from his yard.

Navan firm Ecomm pulled their sponsorship of the Elliott yard but are leaving their nine horses on site. Ecomm chiefs Noel and Valerie Moran have refused to comment until the IHRB findings are revealed.

Since the controversy blow up for Elliott who described the incident as 'indefensible' and a 'moment of madness' he has faced a barrage of criticism and outrage but in the days that have followed supporters have been keen to have their voices heard.

One video circulating features stable staff and horseracing teams echo their 'support for Gordon' who was the inaugural winner of the Meath Sportsperson of the Year award - a feat he achieved on three occasions in total.

He won the 2018 and 2019 awards and will feature prominently in the final lookback at the awards in the next edition of the Meath Chronicle out next Tuesday when the focus will be on 2018 and 2019 in the build up to the 2020 awards ceremony scheduled for Friday 12th March.