Appeal – Jockey Gareth Wright

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on 25 January 2022.

Background

Jockey Gareth Wright was charged with a contravention of Rule 21.11, read with Rule 66.4. The particulars being that as the Rider of GUY FOX in Race 4, run at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 13 October 2021, he failed to ensure that this gelding carried the correct weight during the running of the race, by weighing in at more than 0.5kg below the weight at which he was declared out at. This resulted in GUY FOX, which crossed the finishing line first, being disqualified following an objection by the Clerk of Scales being upheld.

The Inquiry Board after considering all mitigating and aggravating evidence, which included the finishing position of GUY FOX and the extent of the underweight, imposed a penalty of a suspension on Jockey Wright from riding in races for a period of 30 days.

The Appeal Board, after having heard the submissions put forward in this matter, both on behalf of the Appellant and on behalf of the Respondent, ruled:

1. That the Appeal be dismissed.

2. That Jockey Wright was afforded every opportunity to be heard and present his case at the Inquiry stage, and had failed to provide any merits for the Appeal.

3. That this matter had no prospect of success on Appeal and was in fact frivolous.

4. A cost order was granted against Jockey Wright in the amount of R30 000.

5. The Appeal fee was forfeited.