The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices in Johannesburg on 9 November 2022, Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with a  contravention of Rule 62.2.7.  The particulars being that he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to MADAME VICKI (J P van der Merwe) at the 200m in Race 8 at the Vaal Racecourse on 20 October 2022. 

Jockey Lerena pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty of the charge. 

The Inquiry Board after considering the mitigating factors presented, imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of seven (7) days.  

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