Jockey Richard Fourie was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M in Appendix E on the use of the crop), the particulars being that he misused his crop by striking Eight On Eighteen more than twelve times (13), which was not warranted when considering the circumstances of the race, in Race 7, the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Cape Guineas, on 14 December 2024.
Richard Fourie faces suspension from riding and a fine (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa held an Inquiry in this regard on Tuesday, 24 December 2024.
Due to Jockey Richard Fourie not attending the Inquiry, the Inquiry Board entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, and after deliberation, he was found guilty of the charge.
After considering the evidence, as well as taking Fourie’s record pertaining to this type of contravention and the Grade 1 status of the race into account, a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of fourteen (14) days and a fine of R23 000 (twenty-three thousand rand) was imposed.
Fourie has the Right of Appeal in terms of the Rules against both the finding and the penalty imposed.
- Media release by the NHA on Friday, 27 December 2024.
