Jockey at centre of Hillsin controversy stands down until further notice
The jockey at the centre of the Hillsin controversy will not take any rides until further notice.
Dylan Kitts, a 22-year-old conditional rider, was referred to the BHA for the ride which led to Hillsin being banned from racing for 40 days.
He was declared on a horse at Newton Abbot on Friday but will not take the mount.
A BHA statement said: “The BHA can confirm that it has been agreed that jockey Dylan Kitts will not take rides or attend any racecourses at this time, as an investigation following a referral by the stewards at Worcester on Wednesday 5 July continues.
“The BHA will be making no further comment on the investigation at this stage.”
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Kitts rode the Chris Honour-trained Hillsin to finish third in a handicap hurdle for conditional jockeys at Worcester.
But the stewards launched an immediate inquiry after watching the horse travel strongly down the home straight “without appearing to ever be asked for its finishing effort”.
Hillsin crossed the line just a length and a quarter behind the winner, having gone off an 11-1 chance. The Racing Post’s in-running comment described the run as “eye-catcher”.
Hillsin, a five-year-old without a win and just two third places from 16 previous starts, was having his first start for Honour.
Chris Honour: trainer of Hillsin (RACINGFOTOS.COM)He has since been moved to the stable of Brian Barr after Honour told Hillsin’s owner Alan Clegg to remove the horse and another in his yard.
Honour said he had received a torrent of abusive messages, including a death threat, following the incident.
“It was the worst day of my life,” said Honour, who trains in Ashburton, Devon. “It looked bloody awful, there is no getting away from it.
“I sent the horse there to run his best race. In my mind he ran well but he didn’t get the ride he deserved.
“We have had horrible phone calls, emails, messages and that’s not something I ever got into this job for. I never thought I would have that situation to deal with. We do our best all the time.”
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