The seemingly heavy punishment via a fine and a costs award incurred by jockey Gareth Wright recently has evoked heated debate and even offers of financial assistance.
Seasoned racing man Stewart Ramsay writes in the Sporting Post mailbag that he read with interest the report on the unsuccessful appeal of jockey Gareth Wright against his one month suspension for weighing in underweight,
His appeal was reportedly heard by a three man board who have ordered him to pay costs of R30 000. That means that the cost per head of the board was R10 000!
Did they fly the board members in from London?
The case raises another highly relevant question. That is, if Wright had won his appeal would he have been awarded his costs?
If so then everyone that has won an appeal with the NHA should now lodge a claim for their costs.
Lastly it raises another question.
The NHA have suspended him for a month and thus removed his ability to earn any income. Yet they have ordered him to pay them R30 000.
How do they suggest Gareth Wright raises the money to pay them?
Maybe he should get a job sitting on the appeals board – it appears they pay R10 000 a day.
