URGENT APPLICATION – SOUTH GAUTENG HIGH COURT

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that it was the First Respondent in an urgent application heard today in the South Gauteng High Court. The hearing was conducted virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The urgent application was brought by the Jockeys Association of South Africa (JASA), represented by Mr Juan Carlos Lerena, who deposed to the founding and replying affidavits on its behalf.

Background:

The relief sought was that The National Horseracing Authority’s directive dated 29 December 2020, that restricted inter-provincial travel of Riders for the month of January 2021, was to be declared to be of no force and effect.

The National Horseracing Authority responded through an answering affidavit, which was deposed by its Chief Covid-19 Compliance Officer and Racing Control Executive, Mr Arnold Hyde on Friday, 1 January 2021.

After considering the matter, the Judge ruled that SAJA does not have locus standi as they do not represent all Jockeys and that the granting of the relief sought could potentially affect other Jockeys who are not members of the applicant

For this reason the urgent application was dismissed with costs.