Overview
- The Independent Disciplinary Panel ruled John Higgins masterminded the plan to stop Hillsin and groomed Dylan Kitts with promises of rides and possible payment.
- Kitts received a nine-year disqualification backdated to July 13, 2023, while Higgins’ 12-year ban is backdated to March 7, 2024, when he was placed on the exclusion list.
- Trainer Chris Honour was not found to be part of the conspiracy but was fined £750 for giving misleading information to stewards after the Worcester race.
- The BHA said the investigation resembled a complex fraud case, citing extensive evidence review, numerous interviews, and the first use of telephone data extraction powers.
- No charges were brought against registered owner Alan Clegg, and Hillsin has won four times since the incident and is declared to run at Hereford.