Quick Response. RA CEO Larry Wainstein was first to respond
The Racing Control Executive of the National Horseracing Authority of South Africa, Mr David Mcgillivray, has advised that the body are investigating, following allegations of horse cruelty made against a Kimberley trainer on Sunday.
Our enquiries were directed to the NHA , Phumelela and the Racing Association, and were prompted by a thread on the African Betting Clan under the heading, ‘WHAT A DISGRACE – FLAMINGO PARK TOP TRAINER JAAP VISSER’.
Horseracing has been under the spotlight in recent weeks, with the focus on horses’ life after racing. The horse which was the subject of the current allegations appears to have still been in training.
The subject was initiated by a poster ‘Redfeather’ on the ABC on Sunday, and which incorporated a short video of a horse in obvious discomfort.
The post has evoked outrage and heated debate and attracted over 8000 views and run to 11 pages. This makes it one of the most discussed issues ever on the popular forum.
While no official confirmation has been received, the horse in the video is allegedly a 9yo gelding named Golden Occassion.
He was bred by Summerhill Stud and trained initially by Michael Roberts in KZN.
He has had 109 runs for 7 Wins and 36 places, with earnings of R 386 445.
He last ran at Flamingo Park for Jaap Visser on 19 November 2012, when finishing unplaced.
Trainer Jaap Visser was crowned Champion Trainer at the RA Northern Cape Awards held last month in Kimberley.
Racing Association CEO Larry Wainstein was the first to deliver an official comment following our despatch late on Sunday evening.
He confirmed that he had immediately spoken to the Veterinary Surgeon dealing with the horse and was informed that the gelding had been treated. The Vet had seen him on Wednesday last week.
He apparently informed Mr Wainstein that it appeared that ‘people don’t have the full facts.’
According to reports, the horse was euthenased on Sunday.
The Racing Association is the biggest owner representative body in South Africa.
The Racing Operator, under whose jurisdiction the Northern Cape racing centre falls, Phumelela, have not released any press communication.
