General Chat

[ToniC]

It will get far worse tomorrow, there is plenty more to come out. Disgusting.

That pertaining Gordon specifically, or more industry names to be dragged into it?

[isitmarchyet]

Time to disconnect myself from social media for a bit I think. I'll probably sound like a coward but I really don't want to see this video and you know it'll be everywhere. Can't handle that kind of thing at all. Whole situation is just awful.

[Altior]

If there is more from Gordon’s yard I would suggest it shows an immaturity to separate yourself from still trying to be one of the lads to being the boss.

He’s 42 so should be well passed that - a photo being 4 years old still puts him at 38! - but I imagine a racing yard is much like how people describe being a footballer etc. Where you don’t really have to grow up and be responsible like the rest of the world


I would also like to say I hope this stuff kind of breaks down the snobbishness I’ve experienced from “people involved in racing” who always act like they are superior to a fan/punter. 2 years ago at the Fez I was speaking to two women who were obviously from racing families and acted as if they knew better and everyone else was below them. Half way through the conversation they said they didn’t care if the animal died or not. However still knew more and cared more than the rest of us because they grew up in the environment.

Pic is less than 2 years old.

[Hiddy Harmeen]

It's obviously a shitstorm atm but i feel in the long run people within the "Bubble" will be a lot more careful in the future

What weve seen in the last couple of days has been a real eye opener and there needs to be heavy punishments and a precedent set for idiocy

Smartphones eh?

[Splinterboy82]

That video is fucking dark...wow, I’m not easily offended but a ‘one-off’ it appears not.....stunned tbh - all enthusiasm for the festival gone today

[Scooby91]

It's obviously a shitstorm atm but i feel in the long run people within the "Bubble" will be a lot more careful in the future

What weve seen in the last couple of days has been a real eye opener and there needs to be heavy punishments and a precedent set for idiocy

Smartphones eh?

The issue isn't the phones, or the person sharing it....

The Sole blame goes to anyone involved within the pics or videos. Its clearly something that's been going on a while and isn't a single isolated case.

I won't comment further as I personally have an emotional attachment, and have felt very uneasy about it the last few days, Especially when some and no person in particular on or off here, comment that it's a non issue due to the horse / horses no longer being alive.


it's something I diddnt want to believe was an issue, or think was happening, and the disrespect to those horses, seriously makes me think twice about the sport. I just have to try and remember it's a very, very small portion of yards and staff out there, but it leaves a very bitter taste.

[Middle_Of_March]

It’s late and I can’t sleep and my mind is racing away. So excuse the rant/moan/speech or whatever this is but I need to get it out.

The excitement about the festival has almost completely gone for me in these last few hours. I can’t sleep but for the thought of that video. I don’t know what to say. It’s hard enough at uni having people against the sport and trying my best to educate but I spent today on four occasions explaining it’s one isolated horrible incident that had been photographed. And now we appear to have some multi-yard leaks incoming. How can we defend that? We can’t. It’s not possible.

I feel sad for the sport but also for the fact that there could be more still to come. It’s really sad. Maybe I’m being OTT but this video is the lowest I’ve felt regarding horse racing ever before.

[Lbur4288]

I was sent the video earlier tonight by a friend on Twitter and it is horrific and surely the end for Rob James involvement in the sport. Gordon's excuse whilst poor and very convenient still leaves a chance for him to bounce back whenever that may be and probably under very different circumstances to those he has been accustomed to in recent years. Rob James however does not have any sort of justification for straddling a dead horse whilst being encouraged by those around him.

A major shitstorm is unfolding and I think we will be seeing numerous videos. One Twitter account claims to have a few more videos including an alleged fight. I won't go into any more detail than I already have but I'd imagine most Twitter users on here have already seen the rumours.

A bad few days for the sport and the authorities will need to do their best at damage limitation regardless of the cost to the guilty parties.

[Middle_Of_March]

I was sent the video earlier tonight by a friend on Twitter and it is horrific and surely the end for Rob James involvement in the sport. Gordon's excuse whilst poor and very convenient still leaves a chance for him to bounce back whenever that may be and probably under very different circumstances to those he has been accustomed to in recent years. Rob James however does not have any sort of justification for straddling a dead horse whilst being encouraged by those around him.

A major shitstorm is unfolding and I think we will be seeing numerous videos. One Twitter account claims to have a few more videos including an alleged fight. I won't go into any more detail than I already have but I'd imagine most Twitter users on here have already seen the rumours.

A bad few days for the sport and the authorities will need to do their best at damage limitation regardless of the cost to the guilty parties.

The fight video actually came out a couple of weeks ago. Elliotts wife and his bit on the side.

[FinalFurlong91]

Horse racing was having enough trouble attracting sponsors and generating prize money

This potentially sustained period of negative press could lead to plenty pulling their support

[MTR]

Horse racing needs to be stopped immediately and things properly investigated. There’s no defending that video it’s fucking rank. People saying the 1% spoil it, well that 1% is starting to get bigger and Apparently more on the way.

Love the game of horse racing more than pretty much anything in life, but what I’ve seen over the last 24 hours has made me seriously question what is really going on.

[MTR]

Horse racing was having enough trouble attracting sponsors and generating prize money

This potentially sustained period of negative press could lead to plenty pulling their support

Surely sponsors will be rushing to get out the door? And rightly so.

[FaugheenTheMachine]

Scooby91 Not sure if you mean more videos from Elliot or just in general but if it’s Elliot then he’s had a shocker doing that interview in the racing post this morning showing some actual remorse finally if he’s fully aware there’s a chance there’s worst to come

[Carnage at Taunton]

Also a video of Ryan James straddling a dead horse on the gallops of Colin bowe. Gordy was the start a shit storm is brewing I’d suggest

People wil start to think this is some sort of done thing when a horse dies!! taking pics, video. God almighty wtf is going on??

[charlie]

Horse racing needs to be stopped immediately and things properly investigated. There’s no defending that video it’s fucking rank. People saying the 1% spoil it, well that 1% is starting to get bigger and Apparently more on the way.

Love the game of horse racing more than pretty much anything in life, but what I’ve seen over the last 24 hours has made me seriously question what is really going on.

I strongly disagree. Thousands of people who love, care for and respect horses rely on the industry to survive. Why should they be punished because of the deplorable actions of a few people? They shouldn’t. Name, shame, punish strongly, absolutely, but shutting down the sport is absolutely not the way to go.