The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an Inquiry was finalised at its offices at Turffontein Racecourse on 5 June 2019.
- Charge One: Trainer Mrs S Miller was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.2, as read with Rule 73.4.4 and Rule 74.1, in that:
1.1 Mrs Miller is the trainer of the horse BONGO DANCE, which is a gelding;
1.2 BONGO DANCE was due to run and, in fact ran in the 6th race at the Flamingo Park Racecourse on 12 November 2018;
1.3 Prior to the race a specimen was taken from the horse BONGO DANCE;
1.4 Upon analysis the specimen was found to contain testosterone at a level of 218.81 picograms per millilitre of plasma, which is in excess of the accepted threshold of 100 picograms per millilitre of plasma;
1.5 Testosterone is a forbidden substance and also a prohibited substance.
- Charge Two: Mrs S Miller was charged with a contravention of Rule 10.5.16, as read with Rule 10.5.15.6, Rule 74.1 and Rule 71.1, in that:
2.1 Mrs Miller is a trainer licenced by the NHA;
2.2 Mrs Miller operates a racing stable at Flamingo Park Racecourse;
2.3 On 12 December 2018, at the aforesaid stables, certain needles were seized by officials of the NHA;
2.4 Upon analysis the needles were found to contain testosterone;
2.5 Testosterone is a forbidden substance.
Mrs Miller pleaded not guilty to both charges, but was found guilty on both charges.
In respect of Charge One, the Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a fine of R150 000 (One hundred and fifty thousand rand).
Furthermore, BONGO DANCE is disqualified in terms of Rule 72.3.2, and the conditions of Rule 67.7.8 shall apply.
In respect of Charge Two, the Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a fine of R50 000 (Fifty thousand rand).
