Further details have emerged about the "indefinite" horse racing ban given to Canaries striker Ashley Barnes.

The 34-year-old has been excluded from the sport by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) amid an investigation.

Details of the ban were initially sparse but further information has emerged.

What happened?

Barnes had been a registered owner and enjoyed success with his horse, Manor Park, at Newton Abbot in June 2021 - which was trained by Brian Barr.

However following a probe by the BHA this month Barnes was placed on the industry body's disqualification list alongside his father-in-law, John Higgins, for "failure to cooperate with a BHA investigation".

Norwich Evening News: Ashley Barnes has recently been banned indefinitely for failing to cooperate with an investigationAshley Barnes has recently been banned indefinitely for failing to cooperate with an investigation (Image: Paul Chesterton, Focus Images)

Industry experts the Racing Post report this was in relation to the 'Hillsin affair' which began last year.

They report that the BHA had been seeking phone records from Barnes and Higgins in relation to its ongoing investigation into the running of Hillsin at Worcester last summer.

Hillsin had finished third at Worcester in July 2023 after drifting in the betting from 2-1 favourite out to 11-1. Stewards said the horse travelled strongly "without appearing to ever be asked for a finishing effort".

Norwich Evening News: Barnes has scored seven goals in 33 matches for the Canaries this seasonBarnes has scored seven goals in 33 matches for the Canaries this season (Image: Paul Chesterton, Focus Images)

The horse was banned from running for 40 days and its jockey, Dylan Kitts, had his licence suspended before being placed on the disqualified list - having failed to provide the BHA with information requested as part of its investigation.

Mr Kitts was removed the following day having provided the BHA with what it had asked for.

Chris Honour, who trained Hillsin, said he had received death threats after the race and requested Hillsin and another horse be removed from the yard of owner Alan Clegg.

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The horses were given to Brian Barr - who trained Barnes' horse - before being given to another trainer after Barr quit training in August last year.

What does the ban mean?

With Barnes being placed on the disqualification list, it means he and Mr Higgins are banned from entering any premises licensed by the BHA or from associating with any racing professionals.

The BHA has not confirmed the link to the Hillsin situation but a BHA spokesman has said: "We can confirm that the Ashley Barnes listed as an excluded person on our website is the professional footballer Ashley Barnes.

Norwich Evening News: Dylan Kitts had his jockey licence suspended by the BHA amid the Hillsin investigationDylan Kitts had his jockey licence suspended by the BHA amid the Hillsin investigation (Image: PA Wire)

"He has been excluded due to a failure to cooperate with an investigation and as that investigation is ongoing, the BHA will make no further comment."

Who are the BHA?

The British Horseracing Authority is responsible for the governance, administration and regulation of horseracing and the wider horseracing industry in Britain. 

Norwich Evening News: The ban has been handed down by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA)The ban has been handed down by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) (Image: Archant)

It is also in charge of the development and growth of horseracing which looks to "prioritise the health and welfare of the sport's participants".

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Part of what it aims to achieve is to keep the sport fair by making sure any participants adhere to the rules and "by dealing appropriately and effectively with rule breaches".

An influential figure

Born in Bath, Barnes has scored seven goals in 33 matches for the Canaries this season, who are currently sixth in the Championship table with eight games of the season remaining.

Before moving to Carrow Road, he made more than 290 appearances and scored 54 goals for Burnley, helping the club bounce back to the Premier League in 2023.

Norwich Evening News: Barnes had been a registered owner of a racehorse called Manor ParkBarnes had been a registered owner of a racehorse called Manor Park (Image: Paul Chesterton, Focus Images)

The former Brighton and Plymouth forward signed a two-year contract and has proved an important player this season, emerging as a leadership figure in David Wagner's squad.

Both Norwich City Football Club and Barnes' agency, CAA Base, have been contacted for comment.