PRESS RELEASE - RACING APPEAL – JOCKEY J GATES

PRESS RELEASE - RACING APPEAL – JOCKEY J GATES

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on Monday, 25 March 2024.

Background

Jockey J Gates was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7.  The particulars being that as the rider of ROSE TINTED, he failed to ensure that he did not cause substantial interference to MAMAQUERA (P Mxoli) when he shifted in, in the concluding stages of Race 8 at Turffontein Racecourse on 2 November 2023. During this incident, MAMAQUERA clipped the heels of ROSE TINTED, was checked severely, stumbled, and dislodged Jockey P Mxoli.

Jockey Gates pleaded guilty and was found guilty of the charge.

The Inquiry Board, after considering the mitigating and aggravating circumstances and the evidence presented, imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of twenty-one (21) days.=11.0ptThe Appeal Board, after having heard the submissions put forward in this matter, both on behalf of the Appellant and on behalf of the Inquiry Board;

1. Confirmed the finding and the penalty with no amendment.

And

1. The Appeal fee was declared to be forfeited.

Jockey penalties far to severe or Trainers penalties for to light. Week in week out massive fines and time off for the same offence. Trainers get warnings and 250 rand fines. mayne a 1000 for a failed injection.
Yet running horses not schooled correctly, Massive improvements from one race to another are not levied fines. I agree don't suspend a horse unless owner is implicated in the charge but fines for trainers is to light or very leniently applied by NHRA.