Jockey Dylan Kitts admitted to deliberately restraining the horse Hillsin during a controversial race at Worcester in July 2023 after claiming he received a threat from John Higgins, the father-in-law of Premier League footballer Ashley Barnes. Kitts, along with Hillsin’s trainer Chris Honour and Higgins, faced accusations of conspiring to prevent the horse from achieving its best possible placing, prompting a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) investigation that has lasted over two years. Evidence presented included footage showing Kitts holding the horse back and communications revealing money transfers from Barnes to Kitts, suggesting a corrupt relationship aimed at manipulating race outcomes.

The investigation uncovered extensive communication between Higgins and Kitts, with Higgins allegedly directing Kitts to give a “stopping” ride, confirmed by Honour. Although Higgins was excluded from the inquiry for non-cooperation, the BHA found links between the parties involving betting and financial exchanges. Owner Alan Clegg was not implicated and had backed Hillsin to win, while Barnes was excluded from the case due to lack of cooperation. The inquiry remains ongoing as further details and implications are examined.