Jockey Gavin Lerena has given notice to the National Horseracing Authority that he will appeal both the findings and penalties meted out after an incident involving himself and colleague Jason Gates on 26 January 2025 at Turffontein.
Gavin Lerena will appeal (Pic-Chase Liebenberg)
Lerena was charged with contraventions of Rule 62.2.2 read with Rules 62.2.3 and 72.1.25 in that he rode Gimme A Storm in an unprofessional manner by changing his riding style by stopping riding, standing up in the stirrup irons and striking Jockey Jason Gates across his back with his crop on at least two occasions in the running.
Lerena entered a plea of guilty to contraventions of Rules 62.2.2 and 72.1.25 and not guilty to a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.
He was also charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.26 in that as the rider of Gimme A Storm he behaved and conducted himself in a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horseracing, or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NHA or relevant Racing Operator. He entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of Rule 72.1.26.
Lerena was suspended from riding in races for a period of ninety (90) days of which sixty (60) days is wholly suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of these Rules for a period of two years.
He was also fined the amount of R200 000 of which R100 000 was suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.26 for a period of two years.
