Kobeli Lihaba poses for Candiese Lenferna on his big day – and it didn’t end on a happy note
An apprentice having his first career ride has received a 21 day suspension for costing himself second place by not riding his mount out.
Is it overkill, or are the Stipes correct in coming down so hard on a complete greenhorn?
Watch the replay here and tell us what you think – Kobeli Lihaba is riding Slim Jannie and is on the rail in the red and white:
The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 14 February 2023, Apprentice Kobeli Lihaba was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.
The particulars being that whilst riding Slim Jannie, he failed to ride his mount out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards and prejudiced his chances of obtaining 2nd place in Race 6 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse on Wednesday, 1 February 2023.
Apprentice Lihaba pleaded guilty and was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board, after considering the evidence presented, ruled that Apprentice Lihaba be suspended from riding in races for a period of 21 days, of which 11 days are wholly suspended for a period of 12 months provided that he is not found guilty of a contravention of this Rule during this period.
In assessing the penalty, the Stewards determined that Apprentice Lihaba’s inexperience in race riding was a major mitigating factor.
Apprentice Lihaba waived his Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed and was granted permission to take his suspension from 24/02/2023 to 5/03/2023, both dates inclusive.
Enjoy the latest SPRINT!
