NHA inquiries into jockeys, trainer

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirms an Inquiry was held in Johannesburg on 2 August 2017, into the running and riding of GOODNESS ME in Race 8 run at the Turffontein Racecourse on 2 July 2017.

After viewing the patrol films of the race and hearing all the evidence presented, the Board was of the opinion that Trainer Botes did not have a charge to answer to and therefore took no further action against him.

Jockey van der Merwe was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.3 in that he failed to ride GOODNESS ME in Race 8 at the Turffontein Racecourse on 2 July 2017 to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards, by not riding with the sufficient amount of determination and vigour, thereby prejudicing his chances of obtaining fourth place.

Jockey van der Merwe pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty of the charge.

The Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of 10 days.

Jockey van der Merwe has the right of appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed.

The National Horseracing Authority also confirmed that jockey Anton Marcus had appeared at an Inquiry held in Durban on 2 August 2017, Jockey Marcus was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7, in that as the rider of CHAMPENOIS, he failed to prevent his mount from shifting in, thereby causing interference to other runners at approximately the 1200m in Race 4 at the Scottsville Racecourse on 26 July 2017.

Jockey Marcus pleaded guilty to the charge.

The Board, after considering the evidence, found Jockey Marcus guilty and imposed a suspension from riding in races for a period of seven days.

Jockey Marcus has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.