Norwich striker Ashley Barnes has been indefinitely disqualified by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) for failing to cooperate with an investigation. He has been placed on the disqualification list alongside his father-in-law and they are banned from entering any premises licensed by the BHA or from associating with any racing professionals.
Barnes, 34, made 200 appearances for Burnley in the Premier League before moving to Norwich at the start of last season. He is one of many footballing figures to have dabbled in horse racing, though has now been warned to stay away.
Barnes had been a registered owner in Britain with Manor Park, who rode to victory in a 2m1f handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot in June 2021, trained by Brian Barr.
And the Racing Post claims that the investigation, which Barnes allegedly has not cooperated with, regards horse Hillside after its run at Worcester last summer.
A BHA spokesman said: “The BHA can confirm that the Ashley Barnes listed as an excluded person on our website is the professional footballer Ashley Barnes.
“Mr Barnes has been excluded due to a failure to cooperate with a BHA investigation. As that investigation is ongoing, the BHA will make no further comment.”
At Worcester in a 2m4f conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle, Hillsin reportedly sparked a BHA investigation after finishing third under jockey Dylan Kitts.
Hillsin was banned from running for 40 days and Kitts was stood down and had his licence suspended. In February, Kitts was placed on the disqualified list having similarly failed to provide the BHA with the information requested. However, the next day he was removed after cooperating.
Barnes has made 28 Championship appearances this season with Norwich, scoring six goals as they bid for a play-off place and a return to the top flight.