Junior Sports Minister "wouldn't be comfortable" with Gordon Elliot being involved at Cheltenham

The Junior Sports Minister says he wouldn't be comfortable with horse trainer Gordon Elliot being involved in the Cheltenham Festival.

Jack Chambers says he was shocked and appalled after the publication of a photo of the Meath trainer straddling a dead horse. 

Gordon Elliot has apologised and says he will spend the rest of his life living with it

He's currently under investigation by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, and has been banned from racing in Britain while that inquiry takes place

Minister Jack Chambers says he wouldn't be comfortable with Gordon Elliott going to Cheltenham in two weeks.

"I was absolutely shocked and appalled and horrified by that photo, and by his actions, and I think he needs to be held fully accountable.

"I think anyone who saw it was shocked by it, and we need to uphold the highest welfare standards in Ireland, and any and every sanction should be on the table."