APPEAL – TRAINER MS BRIDGET STIDOLPH

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on 12 May 2022.

Background

Trainer Ms Bridget Stidolph was charged with a contravention of Rule 10.5.16.5. The particulars of the charge being that a Forbidden substance, namely, Depo-Testosterone was found on the premises of her Racing stables at Borrowdale Park Race Course on Sunday, 21 March 2021.

In determining a suitable penalty, the Inquiry Board considered all mitigating and aggravating factors, as well as the unique set of circumstances surrounding the horseracing industry and those that ply their trade in this industry in Zimbabwe. The Inquiry Board ruled that Ms Stidolph’s Trainer’s Licence be cancelled, but that this sanction be suspended for a period of five years, on condition that she is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 10.5.16.5 or any other Rule relating to Forbidden substances during this period. In addition, Ms Stidolph was fined the sum of R100 000,00 (one hundred thousand rand).

The Appeal Board, after having heard the submissions put forward in this matter, both on behalf of the Appellant and on behalf of the Respondent, ruled:

1. That given the seriousness of the offence, the original judgement stands, but one half of the fine of R100.000 be suspended for a period of five years on condition that Ms Stidolph is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 10.5.16.5 or any other Rule relating to Forbidden substances during this period.

2. The Appeal fee is to be refunded.