A miscommunication over the engagement of SA Champion jockey Lyle Hewitson for a ride at Fairview on Monday has led to fines being issued to him and the trainer.
The official report states that prior to the running of this race meeting, the Board was informed by Jockey L Hewitson that he was not engaged by Trainer T J Laing to ride the horse SAMBA WITH SUZIE in the eighth race.
Lyle Hewitson – not permitted to take up alternative ride (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
After an investigation, it was established that there was no direct communication between Jockey Hewitson and Trainer Laing regarding him riding SAMBA WITH SUZIE.
Consequently, Jockey Hewitson was allowed to be replaced on SAMBA WITH SUZIE.
Jockey Hewitson then requested permission to ride the horse MALINDA.
However, the Stipendiary Board was of the view that, the fields would have been published on Tuesday, 23 July 2019.
Therefore, Jockey Hewitson had every opportunity to inform the Board that he was not engaged on SAMBA WITH SUZIE, thereby, rendering himself available to ride MALINDA. However, he failed to do so.
Additionally, his late declaration regarding his non-engagement effectively cost SAMBA WITH SUZIE a run in the race, causing prejudice to all parties involved with the horse.
The Board was of the view that, it would not be in the best interests of racing to allow Jockey Hewitson to in effect, wait until race day, pay a fine and “buy” his way into a new carded ride.
Consequently, Jockey Hewitson was blocked from riding MALINDA in this race.
Following the Board’s decision, as there were no suitable Riders available, Trainer Bremner elected to scratch MALINDA.
As a consequence of the above incident:
Jockey L Hewitson signed an admission of guilt for a contravention of Rule 21.13 in that he failed to inform the Stipendiary Stewards after becoming aware that he was unable to fulfil his riding engagement in the 8th race on the horse SAMBA WITH SUZIE. A penalty of a R1500 fine was imposed; and
Trainer T J Laing signed an admission of guilt for a contravention of Rule 55.1.1 in that she declared Jockey L Hewitson without having obtained his prior consent. A penalty of a R1000 fine was imposed.
