The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 8 July 2021, Trainer Mr Gavin van Zyl was charged with a contravention of Rules 73.2.4 and 74.1 in that he was the trainer of the horses:
RAISEAHALLELUJAH, from which a specimen taken after it had participated in and won the 3rd race at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 2 May 2021, disclosed upon analysis the presence of Zilpaterol which is a forbidden substance in terms of the Rules of the NHA.
Gavin van Zyl (photo: hamishNIVENPhotography)
DANCING FEATHER, from which a specimen taken after it had participated in and won the 8th race at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 2 May 2021, disclosed upon analysis the presence of Zilpaterol which is a forbidden substance in terms of the Rules of the NHA.
Trainer Gavin van Zyl was not legally represented and pleaded not guilty to both charges, however, he was found guilty as charged.
For the purposes of penalty, the Inquiry Board treated both contraventions as one.
The evidence in this matter was carefully considered, which included the fact that a number of specimens taken in KwaZulu-Natal recently, have disclosed the presence of Zilpaterol upon analysis and that these specimens were taken during a certain period.
This suggested that the presence of Zilpaterol could be as a result of contamination and as such, the Board imposed a penalty of a warning.
In terms of Rule 72.3.2, RAISEAHALLELUJAH and DANCING FEATHER are disqualified from the respective races. The provisions of Rule 67.7.8 regarding the procedure for stake money applies.
Both horses have had subsequent specimens analysed by The National Horseracing Authority Laboratory which have not disclosed the presence of Zilpaterol. As a result, the bans imposed on RAISEAHALLELUJAH and DANCING FEATHER have been lifted.
Mr Gavin van Zyl has the right of appeal against the finding and penalty imposed.
Ed – Afresh Brands KZN Pty Ltd issued a press release last month noting with concern that certain horses are reported to have tested positive for Zilpaterol in KZN during May 2021.
They stated that Zilpaterol is a synthetic substance used to promote muscle growth in beef cattle and is not used by Afresh Brands in any form in the manufacture of any of its animal feed ranges.
