The National Horseracing Authority has investigated allegations that the organisers of the Jockeys International Challenge acted fraudulently and have brought racing into disrepute.

SASCOC’s Chief Executive Officer has confirmed that no Jockeys’ Association in South Africa has been registered as a member of the South African Equestrian Federation nor as an affiliate member of SASCOC. Accordingly SASCOC could not have awarded national colours (Protea colours) to any jockey. As per the Constitution of SASCOC, only SASCOC has the power to award national colours to individuals. In view of this, the awarding of Protea colours to the Jockeys representing team South Africa at the 2013 Jockeys’ International Challenge was outside the scope of the organisers of that event.

The awarding of the “unauthorised” Protea colours was done on the strength of an email which was sent to the organisers (Mr Larry Wainstein) by the Chief Financial Officer of SASCOC, which e-mail read as follows:

“Dear Larry

Following my discussions with our CEO, you can proceed to announce the Jockeys that are being awarded colours as Team South Africa. I trust that all works out for your awards evening on Thursday. I will try to arrange for someone from SASCOC to be present if possible...”

In relying on the abovementioned e-mail from SASCOC, the organisers of the event acted in good faith. Having regard to all the circumstances surrounding the awarding of Protea colours , including the organisers’ explanations as to how the error occurred, the Board of the National Horseracing Authority finds that such error was the consequence of a bona fide misunderstanding.