A backlash is said to be brewing amongst South African jockeys and trainers after the National Horseracing Authority published the revised penalty range guidelines for rule contraventions on Friday.
The document was approved at the National Board Meeting under the chairmanship of NHA Chairman Andy O’Connor, held on 13 October 2016.
First offence fines of R10 000 for contraventions such as a celebratory gesture or for leaving the jockey room without permission are just two examples that have evoked outrage and seem way out of kilter.
While trainers and jockeys spoken to by the Sporting Post preferred not to be named, it appears that a perceived heavy-handed approach by the regulator, together with a lack of consultation of all stakeholders – including senior Stipendiary Stewards – coupled with ‘outrageous’ fines, has led to the anger.
This ‘dictatorial approach’ was aggravated by the fact that the NHA’s undertakings at their national roadshows held last month appear to be ‘pie in the sky’, as one senior trainer put it.
Comment has been requested from the NHA and any response received will be published
