Wayne Agrellla
The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an Inquiry was held in Port Elizabeth on 22 October 2015 into allegations that Jockeys’ Wayne Agrella and Brandon Morgenrood bet on races at Hollywood Bets in Port Elizabeth on 3 September 2015.
The Board heard evidence that Jockey Agrella had placed bets at races held at the Vaal Racecourse directly and indirectly on races, as well as on several overseas race meetings. Jockey Morgenrood was party to the placing of one bet with Jockey Agrella at a race run at Salisbury in the United Kingdom.
Mr Agrella was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.38 read with Rule 21.2 in that as a jockey subject to the Rules of the NHA, he placed bets directly and indirectly at the Vaal Racecourse, at Hollywood Bets in Newton Park, Port Elizabeth, on 3 September 2015.
Mr Agrella pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge by the Board.
The Board then adjourned to deliberate on penalty for Jockey Agrella and to consider charges with regard to Jockey Morgenrood.
The Inquiry Board reconvened on 3 November 2015 and gave regard to the definition of the words RACE and RULES in the NHA Rules which state –
DEFINITION OF THE WORD “RACE” –
1.1.54 – RACE – a horse race held in terms of the RULES.
DEFINITION OF THE WORD “RULES” –
1.1.67 – RULES – the rules of The National Horseracing Authority made by The National Board in terms of the Constitution as amended from time to time.
The Board ruled that races bet on outside the jurisdiction of The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa could not be deemed breaches of the NHA Rules.
Brandon Morgenrood – cleared
The Board having regard to all factors stated in mitigation and aggravation ruled that an appropriate penalty with regard to Jockey Agrella was that he be suspended from riding in races for a period of 90 days. He has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.
With regards to Jockey Morgenrood, the only evidence before the Board of Mr Morgenrood being party to a bet was on one occasion. This bet was placed on a race at Salisbury, United Kingdom, on the said day.
Having regard to the previous mentioned definitions of the words RULES and RACE within Rules 72.1.38 and 21.2, the Board took no further action with regards to Jockey Morgenrood
