The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held in Johannesburg on Wednesday 19 August 2020, Jockey D L Habib was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M on the use of the crop).
The particulars of the charge being that he struck FLASHLIGHT more than twelve (12) times in Race 1 run at Turffontein Racecourse on 15 August 2020.
Jockey Habib pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty as charged.
In arriving at a suitable penalty, the Inquiry Board took into account that the crop was used on sixteen occasions and Jockey Habib’s poor record regarding contraventions of this Rule and associated Guideline.
The Inquiry Board noted that this was his seventh contravention of this particular Rule and associated Guideline, which included the findings of a separate Inquiry Board convened on Monday 17 August 2020, during a thirty-day period.
Furthermore, it was accepted that Rules are in place to ensure a level playing field for all participants and that prior penalties handed down, had not served to be a deterrent.
It was determined that a suitable penalty was that he be suspended from riding in races for a period of ten (10) days.
Jockey Habib has the Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed.
- Media release by the NHRA on Thursday 20 August 2020
