The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Cape Town on 20 April 2023, Jockey Sandile Mbhele was charged with a contravention of Rule 77.1.1 read with Rule 77.2.7.  The particulars being that a urine sample taken from him at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 30 October 2022, disclosed upon analysis the presence of Benzoylecgonine, a known metabolite of Cocaine, which is a banned substance in terms of the Rules.

Mr Mbhele pleaded guilty to and was found guilty of the charge. 

In determining a suitable penalty, the Board took into consideration the evidence led and the mitigating factors presented, including that Mr Mbhele had been blocked from riding as from 24 November 2022, due to the pending investigation as recorded in the Stipendiary Stewards race day report.

Mr Mbhele was suspended from riding in races for a period of one (1) year, of which six (6) months is wholly suspended for two (2) years, providing that during this period, Mr Mbhele is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 77, pertaining to recreational drugs, and complies with the conditions regarding his continued rehabilitation. 

Jockey S Mbhele waived his Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed and was granted permission to take his suspension from 24/11/2022 to 23/05/2023, both dates inclusive.