The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at the offices of the Vaal Racecourse on Wednesday, 14 April 2021, Trainer Sarel von Willingh Smit was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.25.

The particulars being that he conducted himself in an improper manner on racecourse property by using foul and abusive language towards a Jockey in the unsaddling enclosure, after the running of Race 7 at the Vaal Racecourse, on Tuesday, 16 March 2021.

Mr von Willingh Smit pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.

The Inquiry Board, after considering the evidence led and taking into account the factors in mitigation, ruled that Mr von Willingh Smit be fined the sum of five thousand rand (R5 000).

Mr von Willingh Smit has the Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed.

NHA