The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Port Elizabeth on 21 and 22 August 2017 and concluded on 7 September 2017, Mrs A M Kacnis, the licensed nominee of Five Star Racing & Stud CC, as well as Assistant Trainers Mr E Kaknis and Miss C Kacnis, were charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.10.  The particulars being that as the persons responsible for the care and treatment of the “Unnamed 2015 Roman Miss” filly, they neglected to obtain timeous and necessary veterinary treatment for this filly during the period leading up to 18 April 2017, when this filly was attended to by a Veterinary Surgeon and was found to be in an unacceptable condition. 

All parties, who were legally represented, pleaded guilty to, and were found guilty of the charge. 

The Inquiry Board, having considered all the evidence led and submissions tendered in mitigation and aggravation imposed the following penalties:- 

-      Mrs A M Kacnis’ privilege/s with the National Horseracing Authority were cancelled for a period of two years and she was fined the sum of R45 000.  The cancellation of her privilege/s is wholly suspended for a period of three years on condition that she is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.10 under similar circumstances during this period. 

-      Mr E Kaknis & Miss C Kacnis’ privileges with the National Horseracing Authority were cancelled for a period of two years and they were each fined the sum of R20 000.  The cancellation of their privilege/s was wholly suspended for a period of three years on condition that neither of them are found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.10 under similar circumstances during this period. 

Mrs A M Kacnis, Mr E Kaknis & Miss C Kacnis have the Right of Appeal against the severity of the penalties imposed.

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held at the Vaal Racecourse on Tuesday 29 August 2017, Mr Francis Semela (assisted by Mr James Maree), was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.1, in that he failed to ensure that he took all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that TAPENZEE was given a full opportunity to win, or to obtain the best possible placing in Race 1 run at the Vaal Racecourse on 17 August 2017.  The particulars being: 

a)        At the 1200m Mr Semela encouraged TAPENZEE around the turn, against the instructions of Trainer A Azzie; 

b)       At the 1000m Mr Semela placed TAPENZEE at the rear of the field after hanging out around the turn and by doing so, lost considerable ground to the field; 

c)       Between the 800m and the 400m Mr Semela made no attempt to make up ground on the field when TAPENZEE showed no signs of being difficult to assist; 

            and 

d)       between the 400m and 200m Mr Semela, after encouraging TAPENZEE to make up ground, took a tighter hold of the reins to restrict this gelding from running on. 

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

The Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of 90 days. 

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