Racehorse owner banned for four years over online harassment

A racehorse owner has been disqualified from British racing for four years after a disciplinary panel found he subjected trainer Derek Shaw and his family to a sustained campaign of online harassment and abuse.

Ian Sellens, founder of the Million Dreams Racing syndicate, was sanctioned by a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel over a series of social media posts targeting Shaw and his Leicestershire operation, Derek Shaw Racing.

Sellens previously had Prince Abu and Trust Scout in training with Shaw, but their association broke down in late 2023 following a dispute over unpaid training fees. The disagreement eventually resulted in the two horses being sold.

Following the dissolution of Million Dreams Racing in January 2025, the BHA said Sellens began a prolonged social media campaign intended to “vilify, humiliate, insult and belittle” Shaw and his family.

The posts included criticism of the performances of horses from Shaw’s stable, allegations of misconduct involving horses at the yard and material that encouraged other social media users to make negative comments.

Sellens also published messages purportedly written by a stable employee which contained disparaging remarks about Shaw’s wife, Lyndsey.

The BHA initially cautioned Sellens over his social media activity before issuing a final warning, but the posts continued.

Sellens denied the charges and argued that he was no longer in control of the syndicate’s Facebook account. However, the disciplinary panel rejected that position and found he remained responsible for the account.

The panel determined Sellens’ behaviour amounted to harassment, online bullying and irresponsible use of social media.

He was handed two consecutive two-year disqualifications, resulting in a four-year ban from British racing, and was also fined £750.

The BHA said the case reinforced that online harassment and abuse involving participants in British racing would not be tolerated.