The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that at an Inquiry held in Gqeberha on Friday, 28 February 2025, Jockey Eldin Webber was charged with a contravention of Rules 72.1.28 and 21.11.
Eldin Webber pleaded not guilty (Pic – Pauline Herman)
The particulars being that as the rider of LUCK STRUCK, he committed a negligent or fraudulent act with regard to weighing, by failing to ensure that LUCK STRUCK carried the correct weight and saddle, which led to the delay of the race and resulted in the scratching of LUCK STRUCK from Race 3 at Fairview Racecourse on 31 January 2025.
Jockey Webber pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board, reviewed the evidence presented, including footage from the weighing room and took into consideration the mitigating and aggravating factors presented and the peculiar circumstances of the matter where Jockey Webber mounted the wrong horse to the start, as well as his prior record regarding these rules.
A penalty of a fine of R15 000 (Fifteen Thousand rands) of which R5000 (Five Thousand rands) is suspended for a period of 24 months on condition that Jockey Webber is not found guilty of contravening these rules during this period, was imposed.
Jockey Webber was given the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed.
- Media release by the NHA on Friday, 28 February 2025.
