INQUIRY – JOCKEY SANDILE KHATHI

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Gqeberha on 5 June 2026, Jockey Sandile Khathi was charged with contraventions of Rules 72.1.17 and 72.1.37 in that he added water to a urine sample, thereby misleading the Stewards and tampering with a urine sample taken from him on 24 April 2026 at Fairview Racecourse.

Mr Khathi pleaded guilty to both charges and was found guilty accordingly.

In determining an appropriate penalty, the Inquiry Board took into account the evidence presented, the mitigating factors advanced on behalf of Mr Khathi, and his disciplinary record. The Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of suspension from riding in races for a period of 365 days.

In addition, a suspended penalty of 300 days, previously imposed for contraventions of the same Rules arising from the tampering of a urine sample on 1 March 2024, was activated.

Prior to being permitted to accept rides in races upon completion of his suspension, Mr Khathi will be required to submit three negative urine samples, one of which must be a random sample requested by a Stipendiary Steward in the area in which he is domiciled.

Mr Khathi was afforded the right to appeal against the severity of the penalties imposed. The National Horseracing Authority can confirm that Mr Khathi has elected to waive his right to appeal and has accepted the penalties imposed by the Inquiry Board.

Accordingly, Mr Khathi's suspension will run from 6 June 2026 until 1 April 2028, both days inclusive.

NHA Release

Imave Pauline Herman