Smanga ‘Bling’ Khumalo (Pic: Candiese Laferne)
The National Horseracing Authority confirms that the office of the Racing Control Executive received an official complaint from the connections of the horse Back In Business concerning an incident that occurred before Race 7 at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday, 16 September 2023.
The incident preceded the gelding being withdrawn by the Veterinary Surgeon for bolting the course.
The National Horseracing Authority confirms that Jockey Khumalo signed an Admission of Guilt on Thursday, 21 September 2023, and was fined Ten Thousand Rand (R10 000) for a contravention of Rule 62.2.11.
The Stewards found that Back In Business arrived at the start of the aforementioned race and was safely in hand with a NHA Handler in attendance. Jockey Khumalo proceeded to strike this gelding once with the crop which led to Back In Business taking charge of its Rider and bolting back to the parade ring.
The Stewards ruled that Jockey Khumalo had mishandled the gelding as in their view there was no acceptable reason to support the use of his crop in this instance.
The betting trends in relation to Back In Business on all legitimate channels were carefully analysed and there were no irregularities that were identified.
- Media release by NHA on Friday 22 September 2023.
