Assistant trainer loses appeal

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirms that an appeal lodged by assistanttrainer Roy Waugh was heard in Johannesburg on 23 August.

The appeal was against the finding and penalty imposed by an inquiry board for an alleged incident that took place in the security area at Scottsville Racecourse between Waugh and a groom.

The inquiry board charged Waugh with a contravention of rule 72.1.25 in that he conducted himself in an improper manner by physically abusing an employee of Paul Lafferty Racing Stable at Scottsville Racecourse on 10 June 2015.

Waugh pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was found guilty by the inquiry board and a penalty of R7,500 was imposed.

Waugh was given the right of appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed. He appealed against both the finding and penalty.

However, at the commencement of proceedings, neither Waugh nor his legal representative appeared before the appeal board and accordingly, the matter was heard in his absence.

The appeal board, after having regard to the record, the grounds of appeal submitted by Waugh and the submissions of the NHA, confirmed both the finding and penalty imposed by the inquiry board.

They dismissed the appeal and declared Waugh’s deposit fee forfeited.

Furthermore, the appeal board, acting in terms of rule 85.5.7, ordered that Waugh pay all the actual costs and other expenses reasonably incurred by the NHA in connection with the appeal. – NHA