The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 4 January 2018 which was adjourned and reconvened and concluded on 2 March 2018, Apprentice Eric Ngwane was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.3, in that as the rider of MAGESH’S JET, he failed to ride this gelding out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards when competing for 2nd place in the 8th Race at Greyville Racecourse on the 31 December 2017.

Apprentice Ngwane pleaded guilty to and was found guilty of the charge. In arriving at a suitable penalty the Board considered that although it had difficulty in drawing the definite conclusion that the actions of Apprentice Ngwane in not riding MAGESH’S JET out to the end of this Race, had cost this gelding 2nd place, an element of doubt was created. Therefore the Inquiry Board felt that an appropriate penalty is that Apprentice Ngwane be suspended from riding in races for a period of (10) ten days.

Apprentice E Ngwane has the right of appeal against the severity of the penalty imposed.