The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, Jockey Mr C Herrera Gomez was charged with a contravention of Rules 77.1.1, read with Rule 77.2.11, in that a urine sample taken from him at the Vaal Racecourse on 22 November 2018, disclosed upon analysis the presence of Furosemide (a diuretic) which is a banned substance in terms of the Rules of The National Horseracing Authority.

Mr Herrera Gomez pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.

The Inquiry Board, in determining a suitable penalty, took into account all evidence that was led at the Inquiry as well as Mr Herrera Gomez’s record and noted that this is a first offence for him under these Rules. The Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of fourteen days.

Mr Herrera Gomez has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.