After Apparent Ill-Handling, Jockey Referred to Authority and Horse Banned From Racing for 40 Days at Worcester

In a stunning twist at Worcester racecourse, a massive racing row has erupted, sending shockwaves across the equestrian world. Following this, the jockey was called in by the stewards immediately after the race. If this wasn’t enough, the talented horse in question is also under scrutiny and has been subjected to a 40-day ban by the stewards.

Controversy broke out at Worcester when Dylan Kitts, 22, who was riding Hillsin, finished third. The duo’s performance caught the attention of the stewards, which led to an inquiry by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

Dylan Kitts under scrutiny

Soon after the race, the stewards were curious about the horse cruising strongly down the home straight without being asked for a finishing effort. Hillsin and Kitts finished third, trailing behind the winner, Bensini, by just one and a quarter length in the conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle. Kitts stated his instructions were clear. He was instructed by Chris Honour, the trainer of Hillsin, to drop the horse early. Honour told him to take his time before finally mounting a late challenge.

The 22-year-old jockey elaborated that Hillsin did eventually find his rhythm and looked good with his jumps mid-race. He claimed that the horse steadily found his pace but on several occasions, towards the end, the horse was making respiratory noises.

Kitts explained to the stewards that all these factors prevented Hillsin from being more rigorous in his approach. Chris Honour, Hillsin’s trainer, confirmed Dylan Kitts’ statement but acknowledged that there were some issues with the way Hillsin was ridden after the last hurdle. The trainer said that he was clear with Kitts and had informed the jockey that the horse needs to be held together for as long as possible. This was advised after Honour had carefully analyzed the gelding’s run at Exter.

Outcry of the bettors

The gamblers were shocked with the result and expected Hillsin to win the race in the closing stages, only to finish third. Amidst the fiasco, the punters deemed Kitts’ actions as scandalous and demanded a lengthy ban for the jockey. They were appalled by the way the race unfolded and believed that Dylan Kitts and Chris Honour should be scraped off their license as well.

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The stewards at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed that the trainer and jockey were shown recordings of the race. Equestrian is a sport that involves gambling and, more often than not, money can find its way to the racetrack.

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