The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held in Johannesburg on 1 April 2019, Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7, in that whilst riding CASCAPEDIA, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to other runners, shortly before the finish line, in Race 6 run at Turffontein Racecourse on 2 March 2019.

Jockey Lerena pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Inquiry Board found Jockey Lerena guilty of the charge and imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of 7 days.

Jockey Lerena waived his Right of Appeal and was granted permission to take his suspension from 14 April to 20 April 2019, both days inclusive.

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held in Durban on 15 April 2019, Jockey Billy Jacobson was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.18 in that as a licensed jockey, whilst at the Summerveld Training Centre on 28 March 2019, he swore at licensed officials, namely Messrs B Ngcobo, R Jeewanlall, D Anderson and T Nhlapo. In addition, Jockey Jacobson was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.25 in that he behaved in an improper manner by walking towards Mr B Ngcobo, the Starter, in an aggressive manner.

Jockey Jacobson pleaded guilty to the contravention of Rule 72.1.18 and pleaded not guilty to the contravention of Rule 72.1.25.

The Inquiry Board having considered the particulars of these incidents as well as mitigating factors presented, felt that an appropriate penalty is that Jockey Jacobson be fined the sum of R20 000, R10 000 of which is suspended for a period of 2 years on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of any of the conduct related Rules during this period.

Jockey Jacobson has the Right of Appeal against the finding and the penalty in respect of the Rule 72.1.25 finding and against the severity of the penalty in respect of the Rule 72.1.18 finding.

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 15 April 2019, Jockey Lyle Hewitson was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7, in that as the rider of ELNORA, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to other runners when shifting outwards in the closing stages of Race 1 at the Greyville Racecourse on 7 April 2019.

Jockey Hewitson pleaded guilty and was found guilty of the charge.

The Inquiry Board after considering the evidence, imposed a penalty of a suspension of 7 days.

Jockey Hewitson has the Right of Appeal against the severity of the penalty imposed.

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held in Durban on 4 April 2019, Apprentice Jockey Jason Gates was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7, in that as the rider of EFFORTLESS REWARD (AUS), he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to other runners in the closing stages of Race 7 at the Scottsville Racecourse on 31 March 2019.  

Apprentice Jockey Gates pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Inquiry Board found Apprentice Jockey Gates guilty and after considering the degree of interference and his record of contravening this Rule, imposed a penalty of a suspension of 14 days.

Apprentice Jockey Gates waived his Right of Appeal and was granted permission to take his suspension from 11 April to 24 April 2019, both dates inclusive.

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 14 March 2019, Trainer Mr G B Puller 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 RYKER when a specimen was taken from this horse after it had participated in Barrier Trial No. 41 at the Greyville Racecourse on 7 December 2018.  This specimen disclosed upon analysis the presence of  2-(1-Hydroxyethyl)promazine Sulfoxide (the metabolite of Acepromazine, a sedative), which is classified as a class 3 substance in terms of the Guidelines, and is a prohibited substance in terms of the Rules of The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa.

Trainer Puller 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 000.00, of which R24 000.00 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.

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry which was held at its offices in Johannesburg on Friday 8 March 2019, Mr Francis Semela was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.34 in that whilst riding KINDAVAR, in Race 2 run at the Vaal Racecourse on 28 February 2019, his actions prevented this filly from winning or being placed in this race and did not allow her to run to the best of her ability or on merit.

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

When assessing a suitable penalty, the Inquiry Board viewed Mr Semela’s ride in a very serious light and could not condone a ride of such a nature.  At no point in the race did Mr Semela position KINDAVAR in a position to win or be placed.  During the race, Mr Semela sought cover and to position KINDAVAR behind other horses from the start.  He clipped the heels of another runner at the 500m when seeking cover and then, again, at the 200m he ran in behind horses, all the while when there was clear running available on his inside.  KINDAVAR was only provided with clear running at the 180m and even then the determination and vigour of Mr Semela’s ride was questionable.  Mr Semela also admitted to clearly ignoring the instructions given to him by the connections of the horse which were to allow the filly to stride out naturally and not be restrained.

Mr Semela elected not to divulge any reasons explaining his ride, other than his poor judgment in this particular ride.

Furthermore, when looking at Mr Semela’s record, it was noted that he was found guilty of a similar offence in 2017, in that he failed to ensure that the horse was given a full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible placing.

Taking all the above into consideration, the Inquiry Board felt that the strongest possible sanction was required and imposed the penalty that Mr Semela’s workrider privilege be disqualified.

Mr Semela has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed