In a press release dated 20 May 2014, the NHA published the findings of their Inquiry into the 28 February 2014 Jockey action at Greyville Racecourse and ruled the Jockeys’ actions as ‘justifiable’.
At the request of Gold Circle (Pty) Limited, The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) appointed a Board to inquire into the circumstances and reasons that led to the abandonment after the running of the first race of the race meeting held at the Greyville Racecourse on 28 February 2014 as a result of the Jockeys disagreeing with the unanimous decision of a Panel appointed in terms of the provisions of Rule 5.2.3 that the condition of the track was sufficiently safe to enable the remainder of the races to be run.
The NHA appointed a Board consisting of Adv Guy Hoffman S.C. and Mr Alick Costa to conduct the inquiry. Adv Hoffman S.C. was appointed the Chairman. The inquiry took place in Durban on 9 April 2014. The Board made it clear at the outset that the scope of the inquiry was of a preliminary nature to report to the NHA whether there would appear to have been any infraction of the Constitution or the Rules of the NHA and if so, whether any further proceedings and the nature thereof should follow.
After perusing and considering the statements that had been obtained from 11 Jockeys, the Chief Stipendiary Steward of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Stipendiary Board, the Academy Riding Master and 4 Apprentices and after hearing and considering the evidence of 12 persons, the view of the Board is that the conduct of the Jockeys was reasonable and justifiable, that the Panel should have upheld the protest by the Jockeys and ordered that the remainder of the race meeting be abandoned. Accordingly, the Board is of the view there has been no infraction of the Constitution or any of the Rules of the NHA and therefore no further action falls to be taken.
Enquiries:
D H McGillivray
Racing Control Executive
