The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held in Johannesburg on 15 September 2020, Workrider Mr Vusumzi Sithetho was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.28.
The particulars being that at the Vaal Racecourse on 1 September 2020, he committed a negligent act with regards to his weight, in that subsequent to weighing out for Race 1 on the day, he utilised the bathroom facilities which had a direct bearing on his weight.
This resulted in him weighing in after the race at more than half a kilogram under the weight at which he was declared out at and SHOWDOWN KID being disqualified from the race in question, after an objection that was lodged by the Clerk of the Scales, was upheld.
Mr Sithetho pleaded guilty to and was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board was satisfied that there was no evidence of sinister intent on Mr Sithetho’s part to alter his weight. However, his negligent actions had serious consequences for the Owner, Trainer, betting public and the image of horseracing in Southern Africa.
The Inquiry Board considered that an appropriate penalty was that Mr Sithetho be suspended from riding in five Workrider races.
Mr Sithetho waived his Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed and was granted permission to take his suspension from riding in five Workrider races that are scheduled to take place on 22 September 2020, 8 October 2020, 22 October 2020, 26 October 2020 and 29 October 2020.
- Media release by NHRA on 16 September 2020
