Inquiries
Hits: 1934

The National Horseracing Authority confirms the finalisation of the following matter as set out below: 

BACKGROUND:

At an Inquiry held in Port Elizabeth on 19 April 2019, Jockey Lyle Hewitson was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.3, in that on 12 April 2019 at Fairview Racecourse, he failed to ride BELIEVETHISBEAUTY out to the end of Race 8, thereby prejudicing his chances of obtaining 3rd position. 

Jockey Hewitson pleaded guilty to the charge. 

The Inquiry Board found Jockey Hewitson guilty and imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of fourteen (14) days.

Jockey Hewitson appealed against the penalty and then withdrew his Appeal on 31 July 2019.  A substantial part of his deposit was forfeited.

As prescribed by the Rules, the matter then had to be considered by the Inquiry Review Board, which confirmed the finding and penalty at its meeting on 6 September 2019.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stewards were previously notified by The National Horseracing Authority that Jockey Lyle Hewitson was only cleared to commence riding in Hong Kong, pending the Inquiry Review Board deciding upon this outstanding Inquiry.  On Friday 6 September 2019, they were advised that the original finding and penalty of a 14 day suspension was confirmed.  The NHA formally requested that this penalty commence after Jockey Hewitson fulfilled his race riding engagements at the Sha Tin race meeting on Sunday 8 September 2019. 

Hong Kong is a Specified Racing Authority in terms of Rule 91.1.2 and as such, the suspension will be reciprocated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Accordingly, Jockey Hewitson’s 14 day suspension commenced on Monday 9 September 2019 and will expire on Monday 23 September 2019, on which day he may resume race riding.

Inquiries
Hits: 1921

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held in Johannesburg on 5 September 2019, Jockey Muzi Yeni was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7 in that as the rider of SNOW IN SEATTLE, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to HOT AUGUST in the concluding stages of Race 9 at Turffontein Racecourse on 20 August 2019.

Jockey Yeni pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty of the charge. 

The Inquiry Board, after viewing the patrol films of the race, considering all the factors presented by Jockey Yeni and also taking into account his record with regard to this Rule, suspended him from riding in races for a period of ten days.

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

Inquiries
Hits: 1839

 The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 29 August 2019, Trainer Mr L F Robinson was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.4 read with sub-rule 73.4.1.1 in that he was the trainer of the horse from which a urine specimen was taken after it had participated in Barrier Trial No. 100 at the Greyville Racecourse on 1 June 2019. The specimen disclosed upon analysis the presence of 2-(1- Hydrozyethyl) Promazine Sulfoxide (metabolite of Acepromazine), a prohibited substance (classified as a class 3 substance in terms of the Guidelines). 

Mr Robinson pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge. After considering all the evidence the Inquiry Board imposed a fine of R34 000, of which R19 000 is suspended for a period of 12 months on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of the prohibited substances rules during this period.

Mr Robinson has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.

Inquiries
Hits: 2247

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that it has suspended all entries and declarations from Trainer L. J. Erasmus (Jnr), pending the finalisation of an Inquiry.
The Inquiry is in relation to an inspection by NHA Officials, that took place at his private training premises and horses under his care, on Wednesday, 28 August 2019.

 

Inquiries
Hits: 1796

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices in Johannesburg on 28 August 2019, Trainer L J Erasmus (Jnr) was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.8, in that as a licensed Trainer, he accepted training fees for the horses PRESS MY BUTTON and GHOSTRIDER from a person that is not a registered Owner with The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa.

Trainer Erasmus (Jnr) pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.   

In determining a suitable penalty, the Inquiry Board took into account all evidence that was led at the inquiry and ruled that he be fined the sum of R20 000, of which R15 000 is wholly suspended for a period of one year, on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of this Rule during that period.

Trainer Erasmus (Jnr) has the Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed. 

Inquiries
Hits: 1923

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 27 August 2019, Apprentice Jockey Jason Gates was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.3, in that as the rider of , he misjudged the finish and failed to ride this gelding out to the end of the Race to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards and in doing so, prejudiced his chances of finishing in 3 place in Race 1 at the Vaal Racecourse on 6 August 2019.

Apprentice Jockey Gates pleaded guilty to the charge.

The Inquiry Board found Apprentice Jockey Gates guilty of the charge and imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of fourteen days.

Apprentice Jockey Gates waived his Right of Appeal and was granted permission to take his suspension from 2 September to 15 September 2019, both days inclusive.

Inquiries
Hits: 1849

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an Inquiry was held at the Regional Office in Port Elizabeth on 7 August 2018 and concluded on  29 May 2019. Trainer Mrs Y Bremner was charged with a contravention of Rules 74.1; 74.2 and 74.3, in that she was the trainer of the horse CAT IN COMMAND which ran in and won the 6th race at Fairview Racecourse on 20 November 2017, after which a urine specimen taken from the horse disclosed upon analysis the presence of Ractopamine, a forbidden substance in terms of the Rules of The National Horseracing Authority.

The NHA and Mrs Bremner were legally represented at the Inquiry.

Mrs Bremner pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty of the charge.

The Inquiry Board, after considering all mitigating and aggravating factors raised during the Inquiry, imposed a fine of R175 000 (one hundred and seventy five thousand).

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

Inquiries
Hits: 1918

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Johannesburg, 7 August 2019, Trainer Mrs S Miller was charged with a contravention Rule 72.1.14.  The particulars of the charge being that on 24 June 2019, during the course of a stable raid, an electrical and mechanical cattle prodder, which device may adversely impact or affect the welfare of a horse, was found on her training premises at Flamingo Park, Kimberley.

Mrs Miller pleaded guilty to the charge.  The Inquiry Board found her guilty of the charge.

The Board noted that there was no evidence presented which suggested that the device had been used on a horse and therefore the contravention only relates to the prodder being found at Mrs Miller’s training premises.  Notwithstanding this, the presence of the device was seen in a most serious light, as it created the potential for the welfare of the horse and the integrity of horseracing to be severely compromised.

Accordingly, the Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of:

  1. A three month suspension of her trainer’s licence, which suspension is wholly suspended for a period of twelve months on condition that she is not found guilty of a similar offence during this period;

   AND

  1. A penalty of a R20 000 fine.

Mrs Miller has the Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed.

Inquiries
Hits: 2356

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices in Turffontein on 8 August 2019, Jockey M Yeni was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.11. The particulars of the charge being that he, whilst riding the horse MR GREENLIGHT, intimidated and interfered with Jockey L Hewitson when he took his hand off his left side rein and placed it on Jockey Hewitson’s arm during the running of the 2nd Race at Greyville Racecourse on 27 July 2019.

Mr Yeni pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Inquiry Board found Mr Yeni guilty of the charge.

In determining a suitable penalty, the Inquiry Board balanced Mr Yeni’s factors in mitigation with the need to protect the integrity of horseracing, the public’s perception regarding racing control and from circumstances which have the potential to cause danger to both horse and rider. Accordingly, the Inquiry Board imposed a suspension from riding in races for a period of 90 (ninety) days.

Mr Yeni has the Right of Appeal against the finding and the penalty imposed. The Appeal deposit fee has been paid by Mr Yeni.

 

Inquiries
Hits: 1842

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices in Turffontein on 7 August 2019, Trainer Mrs S Miller was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.7. The particulars of the charge being that an Out of Competition plasma specimen which was taken from the horse CAPE REBEL at her Flamingo Park Stables in Kimberley on 6 May 2019 disclosed upon analysis the presence of Flunixin, a prohibited substance in terms of the Rules of the NHA, and the administration of which was not accurately recorded in her Veterinary Treatment Register.

Mrs Miller pleaded guilty to the charge.
The Inquiry Board found Mrs Miller guilty of the charge and imposed a penalty of a fine of R18 000.
Mrs Miller has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.

  1. Inquiry: Trainer Mrs S Miller
  2. Inquiry – Apprentice Sandile Mbhele
  3. Inquiry - Trainer J Ramsden
  4. Inquiry - Jockey D Ashby
  5. Inquiry - Jockey E Webber
  6. Inquiry - Mr A F van Schalkwyk
  7. Inquiry - Jockey Keanen Steyn
  8. Inquiry - Jockey C Orffer
  9. Inquiry - Jockey Bryan Claassen
  10. Inquiry – Jockey A Marcus
  11. Inquiry – Jockey Marco van Rensburg
  12. Inquiry - Jockey Bernard Fayd’herbe