INQUIRY : TRAINER GERT THERON

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an Inquiry was held at its offices at Turffontein Racecourse on 16 May 2019.

Trainer Theron was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.2, as read with Rule 73.4.4 and Rule 74.1, in that:

1.1 Mr Theron is the trainer of the horse CHESTNUT TROOP, which is a gelding;

1.2 CHESTNUT TROOP was due to run and, in fact, ran in the 6th race at the Flamingo Park Racecourse on 12 November 2018;

1.3 Prior to the race a specimen was taken from the horse CHESTNUT TROOP;

1.4 Upon analysis the specimen was found to contain testosterone at a level of 174.59 picograms per millilitre of plasma, which is in excess of the accepted threshold of 100 picograms per millilitre of plasma;

1.5 Testosterone is a forbidden substance and also a prohibited substance.

Mr Theron pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was found guilty of the charge.

The Board imposed a penalty of a fine of R115 000 (One hundred and fifteen thousand rand).

Furthermore, CHESTNUT TROOP is disqualified in terms of Rule 72.3.2, however, the conditions of Rule 67.7.8 do not apply as CHESTNUT TROOP ran unplaced.