The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on Monday, 21 August 2023.
The background is that jockey Denis Schwarz was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.
The particulars being that he failed to ride BURNING WINGS out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards and prejudiced his chances of obtaining first place in Race 7 at Fairview Racecourse on 28 April 2023.
Watch the replay here – Burning Wings finishes up the outside in green silks:
Schwarz pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board, after considering the evidence presented and all mitigating and aggravating factors, rules that Jockey Schwarz be suspended from riding in races for a period of forty-five (45) days.
Jockey Schwarz was given the Right of Appeal against both the finding and penalty imposed.
Mr Schwarz and the NHA were legally represented.
The Appeal Board, after having heard the submissions put forward in this matter, both on behalf of the Appellant and on behalf of the Respondent, ruled that, given the seriousness of the offence, the original finding stands, however 24 days of the penalty of the suspension is suspended for a period of 12 months on condition that Mr Schwarz is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 62.2.3 during this period, which ends on 21 August 2024.
The Appeal fee was declared forfeit.
- Media release by NHA on Wednesday 23 August 2023
