The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Johannesburg on Friday 24 November 2017, Trainer Mr Mike de Kock was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.4.
Mike de Kock
This arose in that he was the trainer of the horse JANOOBI from which a specimen was taken, after it had participated in and won the 7th race run at the Greyville Racecourse on 7 May 2017, disclosed upon analysis the presence of Dexamethasone, a prohibited substance in terms of the Rules of The National Horseracing Authority.
Mr de Kock did not appear before the Inquiry Board, however, had accepted, mea culpa, prior to the Inquiry, that the rule had been contravened. The Inquiry Board entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of Mr de Kock and after considering the evidence of the matter and the submissions of the NHA, found Mr de Kock guilty of the charge.
In deciding what penalty to impose, the Inquiry Board, after considering representations of the NHA, imposed a penalty of a fine of R23 000 of which R8 000 is wholly suspended for a period of 2 years, provided Mr de Kock is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 73.2.4 during that period.
Furthermore, in terms of Rule 72.3.2, JANOOBI is disqualified from the abovementioned race and the provisions of Rule 67.7.8 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
Quote from Robert Bloomberg as legal representative for trainer Mike De Kock:
“The Press Release is unfortunately very selective in its wording and does not fairly portray certain very salient and important facts.
Following representations made by us which included full disclosure of all veterinary and related records pertaining to the horse Janoobi, and following agreement reached thereafter, it was agreed by both parties to conduct the Inquiry in absentia.
Mike acknowledged guilt ONLY as the responsible trainer in terms of the strict liability rule, but NOT to any administration, prior knowledge or condonation thereof, nor was Mike present in the lead-up to the race in question.
Mike’s horses have been tested in around 10 different racing jurisdictions worldwide and his reputation and integrity is untarnished and of paramount importance to him”
