INQUIRY – JOCKEY J GATES

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that at an Inquiry held in Gqeberha on Friday, 28 February 2025, Jockey Jason Gates was charged with a contravention of Rules 72.1.28 and 21.11. The particulars being that as the rider of AMERICAN PITBULL, he committed a negligent or fraudulent act with regard to weighing, by failing to ensure that the gelding carried the correct weight and saddle, which led to the delay of the race and resulted in the scratching of AMERICAN PITBULL from Race 3 at Fairview Racecourse on 31 January 2025.

Jockey Gates pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge.

The Inquiry Board, reviewed the evidence presented, including footage from the weighing room and took into consideration the mitigating and aggravating factors presented, as well as Jockey Gates’s record with regards to these rules. A penalty of a fine of R10 000 (Ten Thousand Rands) was imposed.

Jockey Gates was given the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed.

NHA Release