The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an Inquiry was held in Durban on 19 September 2016.  Trainer Mrs L Crawford and Apprentice Jockey D Schwarz, assisted by Riding Master Mr L O’Donoghue, appeared before an Inquiry Board with regard to the running and riding of DEVON BELLE in Race 9 at the Scottsville Racecourse on 28 August 2016.

The Board, after considering the evidence heard, took no further action against Trainer Mrs Crawford with regards to the instructions given for the running and riding of this mare.  Her instructions for the rider to sit for as long as possible, whilst restrictive, were on the basis that DEVON BELLE, as is the norm, would jump on terms and race handy.  On the said day, the mare was slow away and lost ground to the field in the early and middle stages.

The Inquiry Board having heard the evidence and having viewed the patrol videos, was of the view that Apprentice Jockey Schwarz should be charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.1.  The particulars being that whilst riding the fourth placed DEVON BELLE and given his position in the race, that by only asking this mare for an effort at approximately the 150m mark, he had failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure DEVON BELLE was given a full opportunity to obtain the best possible placing in Race 9 at the Scottsville Racecourse on 28 August 2016.

Apprentice Jockey Schwarz pleaded not guilty to the charge, however, the Inquiry Board having considered the evidence found him guilty.

The Inquiry Board imposed a penalty that Apprentice Jockey Schwarz be suspended from riding in races for a period of 40 days and that 20 days be suspended for a period of one year, on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 62.2.1 during that period.  The Inquiry Board considered that this was a misjudgement on the part of Apprentice Jockey Schwarz due to his inexperience, as well as other mitigating factors raised on his behalf.

Apprentice Jockey Schwarz has the right of appeal against the finding and the penalty imposed.