Jockeys Simons and Zackey suspended after NHA hearings

Two jockeys have been suspended from riding - one for testing positive for a banned substance, the other for causing interference during a race.

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirmed that at an Inquiry concluded at its offices on 13 June 2018, Randall Simons was charged with a contravention of Rule 77.1 read together with Rule 77.2.11 in that urine samples taken from him at the Vaal Racecourse on 27 October 2016, 29 October 2016 and 22 November 2016, were found, after analysis, to contain Hydrochlorothiazide, which is a banned substance in terms of the Rules of the NHA.

Simons pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge and the Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of 45 days.

He has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.

Craig Zackey was suspended from riding for 10 days after causing interference in the Grade 1 Gold Medallion at Scottsville in May – a race he won on Van Halen for trainer Tobie Spies.

The NHA held an inquiry in Durban on 9 June 2018 at which Craig Zackey was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7 in that as the rider of Van Halen, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to other runners when he switched in near the 400m in Race 6 at Scottsville Racecourse on 26 May 2018.

He pleaded guilty to the charge and the Inquiry Board found him guilty and imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of 10 days.

Zackey has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.