Jockey Dylan Kitts has received a nine-year ban for deliberately stopping a horse from winning at the Worcester Races in July 2023. Kitts, 24, along with his assistant John Higgins—who was banned for 12 years—were found guilty in September of conspiring to prevent the horse from securing the top prize. The British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) Independent Disciplinary Panel handed down the sentences on Monday.
Trainer Chris Honor, who was cleared of involvement in the conspiracy, was fined £750 for misleading race officials after Kitts’ horse, Hirsin, lost by a length and a quarter when the jockey intentionally held the horse back. The panel considered Kitts’ age (21 at the time) and the fact that he was essentially manipulated by the older Higgins (then 77), who promised future rides, concluding Kitts was not the mastermind behind the plot. They also accepted that Kitts’ remorse was sincere.
Higgins, who is the stepfather of footballer Ashley Barnes, has been placed on the BHA’s exclusion list effective March 2024 for refusing to cooperate with the investigation. His suspension counts retroactively from that date, while Kitts’ ban started the week after the race when his license was officially suspended.
The BHA stated, “The penalties given to John Higgins and Dylan Kitts, who conspired to prevent Hirsin’s win, send a strong message that British horse racing will not tolerate such behavior. Achieving the best possible results in races is the basic expectation for all participants, ensuring confidence that the fields are clean and fair.” They emphasized that the actions of Higgins and Kitts damaged the integrity of the sport, undermining the hard work of many who strive to keep British racing world-class and fair. The sanctions reflect the gravity of the rule violations.
The investigation was thorough and complex, involving extensive evidence review, multiple interviews, and the first use of telephone data extraction powers in such a case. The process required careful analysis to transform a large volume of data into actionable evidence while fulfilling disclosure obligations. Given the seriousness of the allegations, the BHA stressed the importance of making all reasonable efforts to reach a proper conclusion.
After the incident, Hirsin switched trainers and has since won three races. The horse is set to compete again on Tuesday at Hereford under trainer Alan Jones. Dylan Kitts is currently believed to be working outside the racing industry.
Fan Take: This case highlights the importance of maintaining integrity in horse racing, reminding fans and participants alike that cheating will have serious consequences. Upholding fair competition is crucial for the sport’s credibility and future, ensuring that fans can trust the outcomes and continue to support horse racing passionately.
