The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that at an inquiry held in Durban on 20 November 2025, Jockey N Patel was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.2.  The particulars being that, as the rider of KING PELLES, he failed to ride this horse in a competent and professional manner, when he delivered a ride that lacked sufficient vigour, determination and urgency from approximately the 350m to the 200m in Race 2, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 7 November 2025. 

Jockey Patel pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge. 

After considering the evidence and mitigating factors presented, as well as taking Jockey Patel’s record pertaining to this type of contravention into account, the Inquiry Board imposed a suspension from riding in races for a period of forty-five (45) days, of which twenty-four (24) days are suspended for a period of one (1) year. The suspended portion of the penalty is conditional upon Mr Patel not being found guilty of a contravention of Rule 62.2.2 within the stipulated period.  

Jockey Patel has the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed. 

The Inquiry Board after interviewing Trainer Gareth van Zyl and carefully considering the particulars of the matter, decided not to proffer a charge against him.                                   

Enquiries: 

A D HYDE

Racing Control Executive