BHA suspends Milton Harris’ license due to violations

Suspension for Milton Harris Pending BHA Hearing in January

In a surprising turn of events, renowned trainer Milton Harris has had his training licence suspended by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). The suspension comes after two of his horses, Balboa and Giddyupadingdong, were deemed “not qualified” for their races at Ludlow on Thursday. This decision led to an interim suspension pending a hearing scheduled for January.

The BHA spokesperson stated that Mr. Harris’s licence was suspended due to a breach of licensing conditions and other related matters. This development has raised eyebrows within the racing community, as it puts a temporary halt on Harris’s illustrious career.

Harris, who began his training journey in 2001 but faced financial difficulties from 2011 until 2018 resulting in a seven-year hiatus from horse racing, made an impressive comeback upon returning to the sport. Notably, Knight Salute claimed victory in the prestigious Grade One Jewson Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in 2022 under Harris’s guidance. Furthermore, he achieved three Grade Two victories during that season.

Recent successes also include Pyramid Place winning the Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow last month and having runners compete at Plumpton earlier this week.

The suspension serves as another twist in Milton Harris’s rollercoaster career. Racing enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of the upcoming hearing to see what lies ahead for this seasoned trainer.