The British Horseracing Authority has announced that it is looking into how the leading contender for the Randox Grand National Monbeg (the national Hunt race held annually at English racecourses). Genius may suffer from an asset freeze order issued by owners Baroness Michelle Monet and her husband Doug Barrowman.
The assets associated with the couple were frozen as the National Crime Agency continues its investigation into PPE Medpro. According to the Financial Times, assets worth about £75 million, including a townhouse in Belgravia and an estate on the Isle of Man, have been either frozen or seized at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Purchased for £80,000 through the Goffs sale in November 2020, Monbeg Genius is trained by Jonjo O’Neill and was third in the Ultima Handicap at last year’s Cheltenham Festival when coming home behind the next national hero Corach Rambler and multiple Grade One winner Fastorslow, who is now among the Gold Cup favorites.
A spokesman for the racing governing body said: “The BHA is aware of the reports regarding the court order regarding the assets of Michelle Monet and Doug Barrowman: “We are in contact with the individuals concerned to understand what implications, if any, there are for their participation in racing.”
In a statement last week, a spokesperson for the couple said: “Doug and Michelle have not denied the (CPS) allegation and were pleased to offer these assets, which means they can begin to prove their innocence more quickly.”
Doug Barrowman and Michelle Monet in a photo at the Cheltenham Festival
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