Suzie Best, whose husband Jim Best was banned from training for six months by the British Horseracing Authority in December, has been granted a training license nine months after applying. Jim Best was handed an initial ban of four years after it was ruled he had instructed jockey Paul John give stopping rides to two horses. The four-year ban was reduced to six months on appeal after it was determined that Matthew Lohn, solicitor on the case, was engaged by the BHA on other matters, giving an appearance of bias.
Suzie Best will train from the same yard as her husband did, Grandstand Stables, and her license has a number of conditions attached to it. Jim Best is not allowed to attend any racecourse where his wife has a runner and is not allowed to represent her in any way.
The BHA's Head of Media Robin Mounsey said, “The licensing committee has made the decision to grant Mrs Best a combined trainer's licence. We have been informed that some conditions have been attached to the licence, full details of which we await from the committee.”
“It is the BHA's duty, in the best interests of the sport, to ensure that all licence applications are given appropriate consideration. Whilst most licence applications are determined by the BHA, in appropriate circumstances the BHA may refer matters to the licensing committee for an impartial and independent decision on its merits. The BHA's position regarding Mrs Best's application having gathered the relevant information to consider it, was that there were some matters of concern which meant that we felt that it should be referred to the licensing committee for further exploration and consideration. This is why we have a licensing committee, which acts independently from the BHA. The BHA is satisfied that a fair and reasonable process has been followed for all parties and we await the full decision and reasons of the committee, and full details of the conditions which have been placed on the licence.”
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