'Condemnation must come' - Francis Graffard speaks out over Gordon Elliott photo

Royal Ascot and Classic-winning trainer Francis Graffard has spoken of his revulsion over the photo of Gordon Elliott sitting on a dead horse and his sadness about how such an image may tarnish the reputation of the thousands of people who work with and care for racehorses.

Graffard showed a very different side to the way trainers deal with a tragedy on the training track when penning a moving eulogy to the talented Volta after she collapsed on the gallops in 2017.

Graffard said he and other racing professionals had owed Elliott the benefit of the doubt when the image first began to circulate but with the news that the Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer had admitted the photo was genuine, he felt compelled to speak out.

"Now that we know though, condemnation must come," said Graffard in a statement on his official Twitter account.

Francis Graffard previously wrote an emotional farewell to Volta, who died when suffering cardiac arrest on the gallops in ChantillyCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Sadness. How does anyone feel anything other than sadness on the death of a horse. In training, their death – by natural causes or accident – is often swift and traumatic, due to the sudden extinction of something that was previously a mass of dynamic unpredictability, fast, intelligent, brave and entrusted to our care.

"Horses are at the very centre of our industry, they provide emotion, entertainment, employment, contribute to local economy, bind communities together, they can bring financial reward and ruin, they are often the catalyst to love [and divorce].

Graffard added: "Without a responsibility to horses, and those who care for them, our industry makes no sense, and those emotions quickly become empty, the entertainment shallow and cruel.

"Our industry is made up of so many good people who have done nothing to deserve the tarnish that comes with this. Think of them, those that ask to be proud of what they do and the industry they work in."

Among the trainers and assistants to tweet on the subject of how well loved and cared for racehorses are were Kayley Woollacott and Katie Margarson.

Woollacott posted a series of pictures of her horses with a message that "one awful incident doesn't represent our sport", while in a similar vein Margarson's plea was for people "not to put everyone in racing in the same basket, we feel exactly as you do about it".

Lambourn-based trainer Oliver Signy posted a powerful image of himself in a stable with a foal and the simple message "from day one it starts with respect".

Signy told the Racing Post: "With everything going on you've got to have a positive message. I don't want to comment on what's going on in the news and it's for the authorities to pass judgement on it.

"There is positive news around owners being allowed back into the yard to see their horses and spectators [soon] getting back on a racecourse, there is a lot to look forward to."

Signy is often keen to promote aftercare and rehoming of racehorses through his social media, something he was inspired to take an interest in through his time in the US assisting Hall of Fame jumps trainer Jonathan Sheppard – a pioneer in retraining thoroughbreds –as well as in stints under Oliver Sherwood and Jamie Snowden.

Signy said: "All the lads and lasses at our yard and every other stable put so much time, energy and passion into the horses, and the horses work so hard for the enjoyment of the owners, you have to make sure they are happy and give something back at the end of the day."

Read more on the Gordon Elliott story:

Gordon Elliott: 'I'll spend life paying for indefensible moment of madness'

Gordon Elliott barred from having runners in Britain while image inquiry goes on

Leading owners Gigginstown stand by Gordon Elliott after 'unacceptable' photo

Gordon Elliott admits 'shocking' photo is real and apologises

From hitting the ground running with Silver Birch to rising to the pinnacle

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