The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices at Turffontein Racecourse on 14 February 2018, Trainer Clinton Binda was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.45 in that he presented and subsequently raced NIGHT SHADOW instead of the horse TROUBLE MAKER, which was the horse carded to run in Race 3 at the Vaal Racecourse on 6 February 2018.  Thereafter he presented TROUBLE MAKER to race instead of the horse NIGHT SHADOW, which was the horse carded to run in Race 5 on the same day. 

Due to some uncertainty from Mr Binda on what plea to enter, the Inquiry Board entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.  Mr  Binda was found guilty of the charge. 

The Board imposed a penalty of a fine of R20 000.00, of which R10 000.00 is wholly suspended for a period of 1 (one) year provided that during this period he is not convicted of a contravention of Rule 72.1.45. 

Mr Binda has the right of appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed. 

Miss Tanya Pilgrim, the NHA horse identifier on duty at the Vaal Racecourse on 6 February 2018, has been suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing, which will be heard on 16 February 2018.