11 November 2023 , 12:41
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Top trainer Milton Harris faces a disciplinary hearing after his licence was suspended by racing chiefs.
The Grade One-winning handler, fourth best in the country on current prize money totals, intended to have runners this weekend.
However the move by the British Horseracing Authority prevents horses at his Wiltshire stable from competing until January. The regulatory body has scheduled a hearing with its licensing committee and the trainer, who took a top level race at Aintree's 2022 Grand National meeting with Knight Salute.
No further details have been given and the BHA will not be commenting any further on the matter.
Their spokesperson said: "Following a hearing before the chairperson of the independent judicial panel of the BHA, Mr Harris’ licence has been suspended pending a licensing committee hearing in January.
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"This is as a result of a breach of the conditions on his licence and related matters."
Harris has sent out 33 winners from his yard since May 1, the date which marks the start of the 2023-24 trainers' championship. His seasonal best of 56 was recorded in 2021-22, along with almost £600,000 in prize money.
Knight Salute (left) won the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse in November 2021 (Getty)But concerns were raised this week when two of his intended runners, Balboa and Giddyupadingdong, were mysteriously taken out of their Ludlow engagements.
The BHA stewards report stated that they were "not qualified."
Harris, 64, had made six entries for races over the coming days, but he will not be able to declare the thoroughbreds following the latest ruling. In his second period as a trainer, the former bartender returned to the sport after a seven year break.
As well as Knight Salute, his best recent horses include Grade 2 juvenile hurdler Scriptwriter, subsequently sold to compete in Australia and Chepstow Silver Trophy titleholder Pyramid Place.