“It’s Not Fair”: Prominent Equestrian Trainer Confronts Controversy With Candid Confession After Contentious Horse Race

Big dark clouds of controversy are not new to sports. This is especially true when it comes to equestrian events. A recent performance by an in-form racehorse has come under the radar. Race officials suspect that the horse in question could have easily won the race but was intentionally held back. The race under scrutiny took place on 5th July 2023 at Worcester. Racehorse Hillsin and jockey Dylan Kitts were paired together for the racing event.

The news has spread across the entire equestrian community in a flash. The stakeholders involved in the suspected foul play are in a tight situation. Apart from official scrutiny, they are also receiving a lot of flak on social media. In the midst of all this, the horse’s trainer has made an appearance on a podcast. 

Chris Honour’s Confession

Chris Honour, the trainer of Hillsin, is the center of a lot of backlash at the moment. Luckily, Honour got a chance to explain himself and tell his side of the story. Speaking about the incident at the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Honour said, “I would never tell someone not to win, it’s not fair to ask someone not to win – at the end of the day, lads go out there with their neck on the line.” While Honour said he has nothing against the jockey, he also said, “I told him not to let go of his head and he’s gone to an extreme. In my mind, if he was to look back this morning I’m sure he would be disappointed with the ride he has given it.” 

Speaking about the hate he and his family are receiving, the Devon-based trainer said, “I’ve had phone calls to my wife last night and she’s been in tears. I’m upset with it and it is not something I want to be involved in.” Honour also talked about his frustration and helplessness and said, “I love them (horses) like they are my family to a certain extent, but with him (Hillsin) this morning, I’ve gone and fed him and I looked at him and thought ‘you’ve caused one of the worst days in my racing career.’  The intervention by the BHA and their decision thus far stand against Honour and Hillsin.

The Cause of Suspicion

The race was going as it should. However, something happened right when the run for the home straight started. Hillsin, who was going strong till now, did not push for an all-out sprint. The horse eventually finished in the third position by a margin of 1 ¼ lengths. This raised alarms in the heads of the race officials, who redirected the case to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). This caused a huge uproar on social media platforms. The horse’s jockey was interrogated about the matter, and an investigation report was made. 

According to the report, “The rider stated his instructions were to drop Hillsin out early, keep a good hold of the horse’s head and take his time, before mounting a late challenge.” The report also said that the rider admitted that the horse had found a good jumping rhythm. However, the rider also mentioned that the horse had made several respiratory noises by the time the home straight sprint could start.

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He also said that the horse had also hung badly right-handed, which prevented an all-out effort at the end. Hillsin was checked twice for any medical complications after the race. The veterinary officials, however, couldn’t detect any abnormalities within the gelding. As of now, Hillsin has been suspended and is barred from participating in any race for 40 days.

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