In a shocking development that has reignited debates about integrity in horse racing, jockey Dylan Kitts, trainer Chris Honour, and associate John Higgins have been charged with deliberately preventing the horse Hillsin from performing to its full potential in a race at Worcester in July 2023. The incident, which took place during the Wacky Weekender Festival Pitchcroft 21st-23rd July Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, saw Hillsin finish a close third, raising suspicions that led to a 40-day suspension for the horse and a referral to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). More than two years later, the case has resurfaced with serious allegations that have sent ripples through the racing community.

The charges, announced on September 4, 2025, accuse Kitts, Honour, and Higgins of breaching rule (J) 25, which pertains to committing a corrupt or fraudulent practice by intentionally stopping Hillsin from achieving its best possible position. Kitts faces an additional charge under rule (F) 37 for failing to make sufficient efforts to secure the best possible placing, while Honour is accused of encouraging Kitts to deliver a “stopping ride” and failing to provide adequate instructions to ensure the horse’s optimal performance. Honour also faces allegations of misleading stewards after the race, further complicating the case. A disciplinary hearing is scheduled to begin on Monday in central London, with additional dates reserved on September 9, 10, 15, and 16 if needed to resolve the matter.

The controversial race at Worcester immediately drew scrutiny, with stewards noting irregularities in Hillsin’s performance. The horse, trained by Honour, who had only taken charge of it six weeks prior, was banned from racing for 40 days, and its owner, Alan Clegg, was instructed to remove Hillsin and another horse, Colonel Lesley, from Honour’s yard the following day. Kitts, a 7lb claimer at the time, has not ridden since July 2023 and faced a temporary exclusion order from the BHA in February 2024 for failing to cooperate with the investigation. The order, which barred him from BHA-licensed premises and associating with racing participants, was lifted after just two days, but the incident has cast a long shadow over his career.

Honour, a former jockey himself, has vehemently denied the allegations. In a statement released through his solicitor, Daryl Cowan, on September 4, 2025, Honour described the charges as “extremely unpleasant and stressful,” noting the significant delay since the race in July 2023. He expressed confidence in the adjudicating panel and his desire to clear his name, highlighting the personal toll the controversy has taken. Honour previously revealed receiving death threats following Hillsin’s run, describing the public and media scrutiny as a “horrible situation.” He also stated that the decision to use Kitts as the jockey was made by the horse’s owner, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

This scandal is not an isolated incident in horse racing, a sport long plagued by allegations of misconduct. Historical cases, such as the 1974 Gay Future scandal, where an imposter horse was entered to manipulate betting odds, and the 2020 indictments of 27 trainers and veterinarians in the U.S. for doping racehorses, underscore the persistent challenges in maintaining fairness and transparency. The Hillsin case has drawn comparisons to these incidents, particularly due to the involvement of John Higgins and his son-in-law, Ashley Barnes, a professional footballer, who were placed on the BHA’s exclusion list in March 2024 for refusing to provide phone records during the investigation. Notably, owner Alan Clegg has not been charged, leaving questions about the extent of his involvement.

The upcoming disciplinary hearing will be a critical moment for British horse racing, which has faced increasing pressure to address issues of integrity and animal welfare. The sport’s governing bodies, including the BHA, have introduced measures like the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act in the U.S. to curb such practices, but enforcement remains a challenge. As the racing world awaits the outcome of the hearing, the case serves as a stark reminder of the ethical dilemmas that continue to haunt the sport. For Kitts, Honour, and Higgins, the stakes are high, with their reputations and careers hanging in the balance. The resolution of this case could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, potentially reshaping the landscape of horse racing integrity.