The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices in Cape Town on 11 June 2019 which was concluded on 21 November 2020, Trainer Mr G Kotzen  was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.4.  The particulars being that he was the Trainer and the person responsible for HERODOTUS, which ran in and won the 6th race at Kenilworth Racecourse on 30 October 2018.  A urine specimen which was taken from this horse disclosed, upon analysis, the presence of O-Desmethyltramadol  which is a prohibited substance in terms of the Rules of the NHA.

Mr Kotzen pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was found guilty of the charge.

In arriving at a suitable penalty, the Inquiry Board took into consideration all mitigating factors and as this was a first offence, imposed a fine of R35 000.

Furthermore, in terms of Rule 72.3.2, HERODOTUS is disqualified from the said race and the provisions of Rule 67.7.8 shall apply.

Mr Kotzen has the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty.