The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held in Durban on 15 March 2018, adjourned and resumed on 13 April 2018, Jockey Deryl Daniels was charged with and pleaded guilty to a contravention of Rule 72.1.25, read with Rule 72.1.26.

The charge related to Jockey Daniels conducting himself in an improper manner on Racecourse property by forcibly breaking into Greyville Racecourse on 5 January 2018 and Scottsville Racecourse on two separate occasions on 6 January 2018 and on each occasion stealing a television set. These actions had the effect of discrediting horseracing.

The Inquiry Board having considered all the evidence led, as well as the fact that Jockey Daniels had not ridden in races since 24 December 2017, imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in and attending race meetings for a period of 12 months (one year).

Furthermore, when considering all the evidence led, the Board ruled that before Jockey Daniels returns to race riding, he is to:

a) Partake in and complete an accredited/acceptable rehabilitation programme and provide evidence thereof to the Licensing Board.

b) He will have to submit to random specimen taking during his suspension to a minimum of 6 consecutive negative tests. These test dates are at the reasonable discretion of the Stipendiary Stewards. Should any of these tests return positive for any banned substance, this will be submitted to the Licensing Board for their consideration to determine the appropriate steps to be taken.

Jockey D Daniels has the right of appeal against the severity of the penalty imposed.