The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Port Elizabeth on 24 January 2019, Jockey Mr Bryan Claassen was charged with a contravention of Rule 77.1.1, read with 77.2.2, in that urine samples taken from him at the Fairview Racecourse on 12 October 2018 and 2 November 2018 were found, after analysis, to contain 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (Carboxy-THC), a metabolite of Cannabis, with a concentration greater than 50 nanograms per millilitre, which is a banned substance in terms of the Rules of The National Horseracing Authority.

Mr Claassen pleaded guilty to the charge.

The Inquiry Board found Mr Claassen guilty and imposed a suspension from riding in races for a period of fourteen (14) days. In deciding on a penalty, the Board considered Mr Claassen’s clean record, his personal circumstances and co-operation with the Board.

Mr Claassen has the right of Appeal against the penalty imposed.