Gordon Elliott in BHA probe after Cheltenham Festival horse fails post-race drugs test

GORDON ELLIOTT is the subject of a BHA probe after one of his Cheltenham Festival horses failed a post-race drugs test.

Zanahiyr was found to have tested positive for a banned substance after finishing third in last year’s Champion Hurdle.

Elliott is facing a fine after one of his horse failed a post-race drugs testPA

PAZanahiyr finished third in last year’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival[/caption]

According to the BHA’s penalties for breaching Rule (K)2.2, a ban of ten years is not totally off the table.

But it is believed that, if found guilty, Elliott will most likely face a fine up to a maximum of £5,000.

The horse could also be disqualifed from the Grade 1 feature, won last year for a second time by Honeysuckle.

Zanahiyr, owned by Bective Stud, won £47,745 for finishing third.

A BHA statement read: “The independent Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority will convene on Wednesday 8 February 2023 to hear the following referral…

“1. Whether or not Licensed Trainer and Responsible Person Mr Gordon ELLIOT is in breach of Rule (K)2.2 (Presence of a Category B Prohibited Substance)1 of the post-4 January 2022 Rules of Racing due to the presence of a Prohibited Substance (3-hydroxylidocaine) in a post-race urine sample taken from ZANAHIYR on 15th March 2022 following the 15:30 Unibet Handicap Hurdle Challenge Trophy over 2 miles and ½ furlong at Cheltenham racecourse.

“2. ZANAHIYR should be disqualified from the relevant race under Rule (L)47.4 (Disqualification of horses in races already run)2 because its post-race urine sample tested positive for a Prohibited Substance.”

More to follow.