The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 14 October 2019, Jockey Mr J C Barnes was charged with a contravention of Rule 77.1.1 read with Rule 77.2.8 in that a urine specimen which was taken from him at the Greyville Racecourse on 10 April 2019 disclosed upon analysis the presence of Codeine, a banned substance (classified as an Opiate in terms of the Guidelines) in terms of the Rules of The National Horseracing Authority.

Mr Barnes pleaded guilty to and was found guilty of the charge. After considering all the evidence the Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of 14 days.

Mr Barnes has the right of appeal against the severity of the penalty imposed.

NHA