It has been something of a rollercoaster October month for 25 year old Highveld-based jockey Denis Schwarz.
On Friday at Fairview the talented rider joined the smashing Dynasty gelding King Regent in the history books when the Ridgemont-bred 5yo became the first horse to win the Nelson Mandela Bay Racing Poly Challenge.
Denis Schwarz (far right) is thrilled after his historic win on Friday – enjoying the moment is Woodhill Racing’s Kuyan Kotzen and Sam Hewitson – Mum of our Hong Kong-based star, Lyle Hewitson (Pic – Pauline Herman)
That would have gone some way to balancing the universe after Schwarz was fined heavily for a conduct related infraction at Turffonteon on 5 October.
The National Horseracing Authority reported on Friday that Schwarz was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.25 in that he misbehaved and conducted himself in an improper manner, in that he initiated an altercation with a security officer in the employ of 4Racing, who was on duty at the security check point at Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday 5 October 2024.
Schwarz signed an Admission of Guilt for a fine of R40 000, of which R25,000 was suspended for a period of three (3) years on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.25, or any related conduct Rules, during the suspended period.
Schwarz joined the SA Jockey Academy in 2015 alongside the likes of Ashton Arries, Calvin Habib, Louis Burke, Sandile Mbhele, Dylan Lerena, Khanya Sakayi, Liam Tarentaal and Daniel Kotzen.
His first ride under rules was on Sunday 20 March 2016 when he piloted the Craig Eudey trained Last Summer and Gavin van Zyl’s Ginger Biscuit at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, grabbing a 5th place cheque with Ginger Biscuit.
Schwarz’ first winner was aboard Chronological for Gareth van Zyl on 11 May 2016.
He has ridden 16 winners this term, and is nearing his 400 career winner mark.
