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Milton Harris has had his training licence removed after a licensing committee found he was not a ‘fit and proper person.’
The 64-year-old trainer based in Warminster had his licence suspended by the BHA in November "as a result of a breach of the conditions on his licence and related matters".
In its verdict, the licensing committee said: "We are firmly of the view that the only appropriate conclusion in the light of our findings, the rules of racing guidance and the circumstances of the case generally, is that Milton Harris is not a fit and proper person to hold a trainer's licence because he lacks the personal qualities necessary to do so."
BHA director of integrity and regulatory operations, Tim Naylor, said: "Racing is a sport that works hard to provide a safe and welcoming space for all and the ruling of the Licensing Committee in this case sends a clear message that those in positions of authority in our industry must act in a way that upholds these values.
"We are grateful to the committee for their time in considering this matter and also to those who came forward to share their experiences of Mr Harris and gave evidence at the hearing.
"Some of the details in the Licensing Committee's decision make for extremely uncomfortable reading. Mr Harris's behaviour over a prolonged period of time fell a long way short of what we expect of a licensed person and, as the committee found, would cause damage to racing's reputation if allowed to continue without repercussion.
"We are, therefore, pleased with the panel's finding that Mr Harris is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
"As is clear from the decision, the BHA's concerns ranged across a number of very serious issues. One of these concerns related to safeguarding. The BHA takes its safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously and, as demonstrated by its bringing this case before the Licensing Committee, will do everything within its powers to ensure that those working in our sport do so in an environment befitting what should rightly be expected by them and, in the case of young people, their parents or guardians upon taking a job in the sport.
"The BHA recently published an updated Safeguarding and Human Welfare Strategy, which built on our existing policies and seeks to protect and promote the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in the sport.
"As always, we would encourage anybody who feels they have been subjected to or witnessed inappropriate behaviour in our sport to contact us. The BHA's Code of Conduct clearly establishes the standards that everyone involved in racing is expected to uphold and we will never turn a blind eye to concerns raised about conduct which may fall below these standards."
A temporary training licence was granted to his assistant, Tony Charlton, at the beginning of last month, with Charlton currently sitting on the six-winners mark since taking over the yard.
Harris had his license removed in 2011 after declaring bankruptcy but has enjoyed notable successes since returning to the training ranks seven years later. His most notable victory to date came when Knight Salute provided him with a first Grade 1 winner in the Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in 2022.
Harris told the PA News Agency he was disappointed by the verdict and said he would release a statement on the matter in the coming days.
Contacted by the PA news agency, Harris described himself as "disappointed" by the verdict, with a further response planned in the coming days.
Milton Harris has had his licence to train removed after a licensing committee found he was not a fit and proper person.
Harris, 64, had his training licence suspended by the BHA in November "as a result of a breach of the conditions on his licence and related matters" with a week-long licensing committee hearing taking place this month behind closed doors.
The licensing committee said in its verdict: "We are firmly of the view that the only appropriate conclusion in the light of our findings, the rules of racing guidance and the circumstances of the case generally, is that Milton Harris is not a fit and proper person to hold a trainer's licence because he lacks the personal qualities necessary to do so."
In his absence, a temporary training licence was granted to his assistant, Tony Charlton, last month. Charlton has saddled six winners, all over jumps, since taking charge of the yard.
Harris returned to training in 2018 having had his licence removed in 2011 after being made bankrupt. Since his return, he has enjoyed considerable success, most notably when Knight Salute provided him with a first Grade 1 winner in the Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in 2022.
In response to the verdict, BHA director of integrity and regulatory operations, Tim Naylor, said: "Racing is a sport that works hard to provide a safe and welcoming space for all and the ruling of the licensing committee in this case sends a clear message that those in positions of authority in our industry must act in a way that upholds these values.
"Some of the details in the licensing committee's decision make for extremely uncomfortable reading. Mr Harris's behaviour over a prolonged period of time fell a long way short of what we expect of a licensed person and, as the committee found, would cause damage to racing's reputation if allowed to continue without repercussion. We are, therefore, pleased with the panel's finding that Mr Harris is not a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
"As is clear from the decision, the BHA's concerns ranged across a number of very serious issues. One of these concerns related to safeguarding. The BHA takes its safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously and, as demonstrated by its bringing this case before the licensing committee, will do everything within its powers to ensure that those working in our sport do so in an environment befitting what should rightly be expected by them and, in the case of young people, their parents or guardians upon taking a job in the sport."
