Over two years have passed since one of the most controversial races in recent horse racing memory. However, events at Worcester on 5th July 2023 certainly haven’t been forgotten by those who police the sport.
Trainer Chris Honour, jockey Dylan Kitts, and John Higgins, an associate of the horse’s owner, were charged with deliberately preventing Hillsin from running to his merits in the headline-grabbing hurdle at the Midlands track.
Dubious Ride and Market Drift Set Alarm Bells Ringing
As a Class 5 event on a Friday afternoon, there was little to make the Wacky Weekender Festival Pitchcroft 21st-23rd July Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle stand out from the crowd – other than an exceedingly long race title.
| Position | Horse (SP) | Jockey | Trainer | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Bensini (13/2) | Liam Harrison | Robbie Llewellyn | – |
| 2nd | Eaton Lady (3/1) | Isabelle Ryder | Gary Brown | + ¾ length |
| 3rd | Hillsin (11/1) | Dylan Kitts | Chris Honour | + ½ length |
However, as soon as the runners crossed the line, the contest came under serious scrutiny. The horse that drew the eye of the officials was the third-place finisher, Hillsin. Apparently cantering all over his rivals as the runners made their bid for the line, it seemed that Dylan Kitts only needed to pop the question to propel Hillsin to victory. However, Kitts never did ask his mount for more, seeing Hillsin finish full of running in third.
Watch the white and red colours here!
Dylan Kitts’ ride on Hillsin in the last at Worcester today has been referred to the BHA Head Office and the horse suspended from running for 40 days… pic.twitter.com/9uvuhMRLVy
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 5, 2023
Bad enough at first glance, Hillsin’s performance was made all the more alarming by the betting patterns in the lead-up to the race. Priced at odds of 2/1 earlier in the day, the five-year-old drifted markedly to return an SP of 11/1.
Excuses Fall on Deaf Ears
In the aftermath of the race, Kitts stated that he had ridden Hillsin according to instructions, noting that the horse needed to be held onto for as long as possible. Chris Honour confirmed this assessment, while expressing concerns with the manner in which the horse had been ridden, having jumped the final obstacle.
📰 Conditional jockey Dylan Kitts has had his licence suspended with immediate effect following a formal hearing in front of the British Horseracing Authority’s judicial panel. 👇
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 14, 2023
Unconvinced by the explanation, the British Horse Racing Authority banned Hillsin from competitive action for 40 days. Dylan Kitts received an initial 22-day suspension but has now remained absent from the saddle since 20 July 2023.
Charges Brought Following a Lengthy Wait
While Kitts’ career has stalled since the Hillsin incident, Chris Honour has continued as normal – saddling six winners from 47 runners in 2024/25 and three from eight so far in the 2025/26 campaign. Hillsin, meanwhile, has appeared ten times since that effortless third-place effort – rattling off a quickfire hat-trick between April and June of 2024.
🏆 RESULT, 5:03pm: https://t.co/KOPFVgBsTF Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle
🥇 Winner: Hillsin
Jockey: James Turner
Trainer: Alan Jones
Owner: Mr F.A Clegg pic.twitter.com/N7augOIFCa— Newton Abbot Races (@NewtonAbbotRace) May 29, 2024
In early September, charges finally arrived at the feet of Kitts, Honour, and Higgins, whose role in events stems from their association with Hillsin’s registered owner, Alan Clegg.
Kitts, Honour, and Higgins are all charged with breaching rule (J)25 – committing, or conspiring to commit, a corrupt practice by agreeing to stop Hillsin from achieving his best possible placing.
Kitts faces an additional charge of breaching rule (F)37 – failure to obtain the best possible placing on Hillsin, while Honour’s rap sheet includes encouraging Kitts to give a stopping ride, not giving the rider sufficient instructions to obtain the best possible place, and misleading stewards after the race. Owner Alan Clegg faces no charges.
Higgins and Honour Refute Allegations
While the video evidence and related betting patterns paint a murky picture, the trio involved remains innocent until found guilty. Following the announcement, both Higgins and Honour were quick to maintain their innocence.
A statement released on behalf of Higgins read:
“The BHA has been provided with medical evidence which states that Mr Higgins has suffered from years of life-changing medical diagnoses but has chosen to pursue the charges against him regardless of his health and advancing years. Mr Higgins strenuously denies all charges. He is fully respectful of the regulatory process and will be making no further comment until the matter has been heard by the disciplinary panel.”
Responding through his solicitor, Devon-based Honour strongly denied all allegations, and noted that the time taken for the case to be heard had been “extremely unpleasant and stressful.”
The hearing concluded yesterday at the BHA’s central London base. If found guilty, the trio could face suspensions, fines, and other disciplinary sanctions under BHA rules. We await the verdict which should come later this week to find out what happens next.