Following the publication of the independent Disciplinary Panel’s decision on penalties in the case relating to the running and riding of Hillsin, the BHA has released the following statement:

The penalties handed down to John Higgins and Dylan Kitts today for conspiring to prevent Hillsin from winning sends a clear message that British racing will not tolerate conduct of this kind.

Running and riding horses to achieve their best possible position is the minimum standard expected of all participants in British racing. It is vital that those engaging with the sport have confidence that what they are seeing unfold on the track is clean and fair.

The actions of Mr Higgins and Mr Kitts, which disregarded that basic expectation, undermined the efforts of the tens of thousands of people who work tirelessly across the country to ensure British racing remains a global leader built on a culture of integrity and fair competition.

We therefore welcome the sanctions imposed by the independent Disciplinary Panel, which reflect the seriousness of this breach of the Rules of Racing.

This investigation was extensive in its nature, not dissimilar to a complex fraud case. Significant quantities of evidence were analysed and numerous interviews conducted, while this was also the first in which telephone data extraction powers were utilised. Such work calls for detailed scrutiny of large amounts of data in order for it to be translated into tangible information and to fulfill our disclosure obligation. Given the seriousness of the allegations in this case, it is right that all appropriate efforts were made to reach this outcome.

READ ALSO: The BHA published this statement following the Panel’s findings in the case earlier this year.