An owner of a horse that was suspended for a year after being tested positive approached the Sporting Post in frustration after feeling that he had become the victim of the system and rather prejudicial rules – as well as his former trainer’s access to superior legal resources.
Douw Kruger says he was getting no joy from the formal structures, which apparently included the NHA and the RA, and opted to approach the media as a last resort.
His horse Mogok Master was subjected to out-of-competition testing on 20 July 2015, which subsequently allegedly disclosed the presence of testosterone. Rule 74.3 became applicable and the horse was banned from racing for a period of 365 days.
According to Douw that expires on 6 August.
“We are small time owners of a horse that has so much potential that is being lost. We trusted Paul Peter Racing to take care of our horse. We invested a great deal of money in the horse and we maintain our innocence as far as the prohibited substance matter goes. Why should we be punished harshly when we were not directly involved in the misconduct that occurred?”
Kruger went on to say that he had requested leniency in terms of the length of suspension imposed.
“We believe that the horse is clean and ready to race. We also immediately moved him to Craig Mayhew. This suspension comes at the best(or worst!) time of this promising horse’s career too,” he said.
According to Kruger, they have been involved with horseracing for more than 10 years as owners and bookmakers, and were also the previous TAB agents in the Vereeniging area.
He felt that a concession in terms of the suspension would mean that they could move on and race their horse, rather than take their former trainer to court to recover their losses – and that in itself would prevent any negative publicity for the sport.
“We don’t have access to the same legal firepower as the other parties in this matter unfortunately,” he quipped.
He said that they had received no genuine empathy and consideration by the structures.
“This must serve as a warning to the smaller owner. The industry says it needs owners and when you are in it, nobody seems to give a damn,” he said angrily.
NHA Racing Control Executive Arnold Hyde confirmed that Mr Kruger’s horse, Mogok Master, was subjected to out-of-competition testing on 20 July 2015.
“The specimen taken from the horse subsequently allegedly disclosed the presence of testosterone, which is a forbidden substance as provided for in the Rules of the NHA. As such the provisions of Rule 74.3 became applicable and the horse was banned from racing for a period of 365 days,” he said.
He added that the leading of evidence at the Peter Inquiry has been finalised and the Chairman of the Inquiry Board has indicated that the Board will deliver a finding on the merits shortly.
“Unfortunately there was a delay in the finalisation of this aspect of the Inquiry because of the number of witnesses required to testify, the complex legal arguments advanced and the preparation of the lengthy transcript of the proceedings. I believe you will appreciate that it would not be advisable for the NHA to give further comment pending the finalisation of the Inquiry,” he said.
