The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry held in the Stipendiary Steward’s Boardroom at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse on 9 May 2021, Jockey Grant van Niekerk was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7. The particulars being that as the rider of RIO QUERARI, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to other runners between the 250m and 100m, in Race 7 at Turffontein Racecourse on 1 May 2021.

Jockey van Niekerk pleaded guilty to the charge.

The Inquiry Board accepted his plea and accordingly found Jockey van Niekerk guilty as charged. After considering the evidence in this matter, the Inquiry Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of fourteen days.

Jockey van Niekerk waived his Right of Appeal and was granted permission to take his suspension from 13 May 2021 to 26 May 2021.