Following the publication of the independent Disciplinary Panel’s short preliminary decision in the case against Dylan Kitts, John Higgins and Chris Honour, the BHA has released the following statement (full written reasons are expected in due course):
Central to the success of British racing is the confidence among those participating, betting and watching our sport that what they are seeing unfold on the track is clean and fair. It is expected that all horses and jockeys competing are doing so with the sole ambition of achieving the best possible position and performing to the best of their abilities on the day. A case such as this is so serious because it strikes at the very heart of this confidence.
We are pleased, therefore, that the independent Disciplinary Panel have found Dylan Kitts and John Higgins in breach of Rule (J)25.2 for conspiring together to stop Hillsin from achieving its best possible position at Worcester on 5 July 2023.
The actions of those involved in this case are fundamentally incompatible with British racing’s values and are an affront to the many thousands of people, up and down the country, who dedicate their lives to this sport and to competing fairly. The outcome of this hearing demonstrates that our sport will not accept this sort of behaviour, and we will always do what we can to uphold our values and ensure everybody who loves racing can be confident in its integrity.
This was an extensive and complex investigation that carried potentially significant consequences not only for those involved on an individual level but also for the wider sport, as those watching British racing should never have to question whether a horse is being run on its merits. It is, therefore, absolutely correct that every effort was made to investigate these circumstances thoroughly and with the appropriate legal rigour.
Investigations of this nature are not dissimilar to complex fraud cases. Vast quantities of evidence needed to be considered, and the BHA’s investigation involved 19 formal interviews, plus a further 21 individuals that were spoken to as part of the case. This was also the first investigation in which we have carried out telephone data extractions, which, alongside the examination of banking records, is a time-consuming process that requires detailed scrutiny and analysis to translate the large quantities of data into tangible information.
We note the decision of the Panel to find Mr Honour in breach of Rule (J)24.6 of the Rules of Racing for misleading the Stewards, but not in breach of Rule (J)25.2, (J)24.5, (J)25.1 and (F)39. Any decision to charge an individual with a breach of the rules is taken extremely seriously, and charges will only ever be brought where we believe that there is a case to answer following a significant level of scrutiny. Where these charges are tested and considered before an independent disciplinary panel, there are naturally going to be instances where a panel may decide that some breaches are not proven. The BHA recognises this but will continue to bring charges in a safe, proportionate and appropriate manner where we feel satisfied that it is right to do so, as was the case in this instance.
We are also acutely aware of the impact that being charged can have on any individual. For this reason, we are always mindful of factors such as the support network around that individual, the impact on the person and their licence and any other ways in which the impact could be felt. Our safeguarding team is in place to provide this support, removed from any investigation, as well as highlighting support that is available from other independent organisations.
We thank the independent Disciplinary Panel for their time considering this case and await full written reasons following their decision. With a sanctions hearing still to follow, the BHA will be making no further comment at this time.
