Mark Sham – some vindication (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an Appeal against the finding and the penalty imposed by an Inquiry Board upon Colour Holder and Stable Employee Mr Mark Sham, was heard on 12 March 2021.
Background
At an Inquiry held in Johannesburg on 11 February 2020, Mr Mark Sham was charged with a contravention of Rules 72.1.25 and 72.1.26.
The particulars being that he conducted himself in an improper manner on racecourse property, which might have had the effect of discrediting horseracing and which did or might have brought into disrepute the good name of the National Horseracing Authority on 15 January 2020 at the 138th Annual General Meeting held at its offices at Turffontein Racecourse.
Mr Sham pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was found guilty of the charge. The Board after considering the evidence led, and taking into account the arguments in aggravation and mitigation, ruled that Mr Sham be fined the sum of thirty thousand rand (R30 000) of which fifteen thousand rand (R15 000) is suspended for a period of twenty-four months, provided that Mr Sham is not found guilty of a similar offence under these Rules during this period.
The Appeal Board, after having heard the submissions put forward in this matter, both on behalf of the Appellant and on behalf of the Respondent, ruled:
- that Mr Sham’s behaviour at the AGM amounted to misbehaviour and/or improper conduct and his appeal against this finding was dismissed;
- that there was no indication that Mr Sham’s conduct had the effect of discrediting horseracing or bringing the good name of the NHA into disrepute. Accordingly, his appeal against this finding was upheld;
- that in the circumstances, the penalty imposed by the Inquiry Board was set aside. The Appeal Board substituted a penalty in an amount of R15 000;
- that the appeal was at least partially successful and accordingly, in terms of Rule 85.5.8, the prescribed Appeal fee lodged by the Applicant, should be refunded.
Media release by NHRA on Friday 19 March 2021
