Not Smiling.Muzi Yeni guilty
Jockey Muzi Yeni has been fined R40 000 for swearing at the starter and “acting belligerently” towards a top stipendiary steward.
The incidents happened when Yeni was riding Copper Parade in the Betting World Cape Flying Championship at Kenilworth two months ago. The inquiry was held there at the end of last month but the details were only revealed after racing on Saturday, writes Michael Clower on www.goldcircle.co.za
The normally friendly and amenable Yeni was found to have used “vulgar language” towards starter Fred Bosman, refused to comply with the latter’s instruction to get on his horse and so delayed the start.
Yeni was also found to have “conducted himself in an improper manner when he acted belligerently and disrespectfully” towards stipendiary chairman Ernie Rodrigues in the boardroom after the race.
Yeni pleaded guilty to the latter offence not to the first one. R17 500 of the total fine is suspended for two years if he does not commit any similar offence during that time.
This is the second time in a year that Yeni has shown aggressive and temperamental behaviour during the course of a racemeeting.
In February last year he was involved in a confrontation and assault on fellow jockey Chris ‘Chippy’ Taylor which took place in the car park at the Greyville Racecourse after the running of the fifth race.
The confrontation took place in full view of the racing public and was found to be premeditated and orchestrated by Yeni.
