The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirms that following the interim suspension imposed on him,  Jockey Sandile Khathi was charged with a contravention of Rule 77.1.1 read with Rule 77.2.2.  The particulars being that urine samples taken from him at Fairview Racecourse on 23 February, 1 March, 8 March, and 15 March 2024, disclosed upon analysis, the presence of Carboxy THC (Cannabis) which is a banned substance in terms of the Rules.

Mr Khathi elected to sign an Admission of Guilt and a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for 14 days was imposed from 25 May to 7 June 2024, both dates inclusive.

Jockey Sandile Khathi was also charged with a contravention of Rules 72.1.17 and 72.1.37 in that he added water to and therefore misled the Stewards and tampered with a urine sample that was taken from him on 1 March 2024, at Fairview Racecourse.

Mr Khathi elected to sign an Admission of Guilt and a penalty of a 365-day suspension, of which 300 days are suspended for a period of five years, was imposed on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of any rules pertaining to tampering with samples or the misleading of Officials. The suspension period was backdated to the enactment of the interim suspension and commenced on 21 March 2024 to 24 May 2024, both dates inclusive.

The interim suspension has been lifted and the Stewards have approved that Jockey Khathi be permitted to accept rides following the period of suspension after subsequent negative sample results.  All Riders are randomly selected for sample collection for analysis to ensure the safety of Riders and welfare of horses.

Enquiries:

A D Hyde

Racing Control Executive