Gavin Lerena – fined and suspended (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that the Inquiry into the incident involving Jockey Gavin Lerena (GIMME A STORM) and Jockey Jason Gates (BLURRED VISION) that commenced on 21 February 2025 and adjourned to 24 March 2025, was finalised today.
Jockey Gavin Lerena
Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with the following contraventions of:
1) Rule 62.2.2 read with Rules 62.2.3 and 72.1.25
In that he rode GIMME A STORM in an unprofessional manner by changing his riding style by stopping riding, standing up in the stirrup irons and striking Jockey Jason Gates across his back with his crop on at least two occasions in the running.
Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of guilty to contraventions of Rules 62.2.2 and 72.1.25 and not guilty to a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.
2) Rule 72.1.26
In that as the rider of GIMME A STORM he behaved and conducted himself in a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horseracing, or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NHA or relevant Racing Operator.
Jockey Lerena entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of Rule 72.1.26.
The Inquiry Board found Jockey Lerena guilty of the charges incorporating the contraventions and imposed the following penalties:
1) Jockey Lerena was suspended from riding in races for a period of ninety (90) days of which sixty (60) days is wholly suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of these Rules for a period of two years.
2) Jockey Lerena was fined the amount of R200 000 of which R100 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.26 for a period of two years.
Jockey Lerena has the right of appeal regarding both the findings and penalties that were imposed.
Jockey Jason Gates – fined (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Jockey Jason Gates
Jockey Jason Gates was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.4 in that he rode BLURRED VISION in a careless, negligent, reckless or dangerous manner by intentionally striking the crop out of Jockey Lerena’s hand in the closing stages of this race.
Jockey Gates entered a plea of not guilty but was found guilty to the charge.
Jockey Gates was fined the amount of R10 000, of which R5 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 62.2.4 for a period of two years.
Jockey Gates has the right of appeal against the finding and penalty that were imposed.
