The viral image may become many people’s abiding image of horse racing, so swift and decisive action must be taken
Shock and anger are the abiding emotions in racing this morning, 12 hours after Gordon Elliott’s admission that the horrific image showing him astride a dead horse on his gallops, which had been circulating on social media since Saturday evening, is genuine.
But there is a sense of numbness too – a reluctance to assess not just the scale of the damage that the photograph has already inflicted on racing, but also how much worse it could get over the coming days and weeks.
Related: Gordon Elliott confirms picture of him sitting on dead horse is genuine
It is not as bad as it looks, it is worse. The authorities need to act swiftly and decisively
The developing situation around Gordon Elliott makes it a little difficult to focus on this afternoon’s action, but at Ayr, Reivers Lad (3.05) should atone for a fall five out when still going well last time, while Kalaharry (4.10) is third-favourite in a field of four despite a promsing run in a decent time at Carlisle last month. Nine Elms (4.20), who took a claimer over course and distance last time, could also be worth an interest stepping back into handicaps.
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