Trainer’s horses mysteriously blocked from running due to last-minute ‘issue’

TOP trainer Milton Harris says he has been left in the dark after two of his horses were mysteriously blocked from running at the last minute ‘due to an issue’.

The official BHA stewards’ report for Ludlow on Thursday said Balboa and Giddyupadingdong were ‘not qualified’ to run.

There was said to be an ‘issue’ with two of Harris’ intended runnersPA

Harris, 64, told the Racing Post he had no idea what the issue was.

The BHA said they were liaising with the trainer but would not go into further detail about the case.

Balboa is a three-year-old gelding owned by Kate Kenyon.

He was due to run in a 2m hurdle at 12.50pm, while Giddyupadingdong, who is 1-1 in his career, was set to contest the 2m bumper at 4.20.

A BHA spokesperson said: “Balboa and Giddyupadingdong were not qualified to race at Ludlow today due to an issue about which we are liaising with Mr Harris.

“We will be making no further comment at this time.”

However, according to Nick Luck’s podcast, an outcome to the case is expected today.

Harris was recovering from a life-threatening clot on his lungs this time a year ago.

The trainer, who once dated singer Belinda Carlisle, spent a week in intensive care in Thailand.

He had not long touched down for a week-long golfing holiday when falling seriously ill.

He suffered a pulmonary emobolism – which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly – moments after landing and was rushed for emergency treatment.

Dual purpose trainer Harris made a full recovery and has enjoyed a decent season over jumps with 33 winners and almost £400,000 prize money.