THE NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY IMPOSES INTERIM SUSPENSION ON LICENSED TRAINER
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that, with immediate effect, it has imposed an interim suspension on licensed Trainer Mr Dominic Zaki, pending the finalisation of a formal Inquiry.
The decision follows the emergence of multiple prohibited substance findings arising from specimens collected from horses under the care and responsibility of Mr Zaki. Most recently, on 23 June 2026, the NHA Laboratory issued a further Certificate of Analysis, bringing the total number of prohibited substance findings currently under investigation to seven.
A formal Inquiry has been convened for 14 July 2026 to consider matters arising from analytical findings in respect of specimens collected at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, involving the horses NOTABLE and QUICKSMART.
The findings currently before the NHA include:
- Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse – 24 April 2026
Urine specimen, collected from NOTABLE, for the purposes of uplifting a suspension, disclosing the presence of Caffeine and Procaine.
- Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse – 13 May 2026
Urine specimen, collected from NOTABLE, disclosing the presence of Caffeine.
- Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse – 13 May 2026
Plasma specimen, collected from NOTABLE, disclosing the presence of Caffeine.
- Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse – 3 June 2026
Plasma specimen collected from QUICKSMART, following euthanasia after it sustained a catastrophic musculoskeletal injury during the running of Race 3, disclosing the presence of abnormally high concentrations of Acepromazine, Caffeine and Lidocaine.
BASIS FOR DECISION
In terms of Rule 91.2 of the Rules of the NHA, the National Board convened an urgent meeting on 26 June 2026 and determined that Mr Zaki’s continued participation as a licensed trainer pending the Inquiry presents an unacceptable risk to:
- the integrity of horseracing;
- the safety and welfare of horses and participants;
- public confidence in the sport; and
- confidence in the effective regulation of horseracing.
Having regard to the nature, number and frequency of the prohibited substance findings currently under investigation, the National Board considered it necessary and appropriate to impose an interim suspension as a precautionary measure pending the outcome of the Inquiry.
EFFECT OF THE INTERIM SUSPENSION
During the period of suspension:
- Mr Zaki is prohibited from participating in any NHA-regulated racing activities in his capacity as a licensed trainer;
- Mr Zaki may not enter, declare, present, nominate, accept with, or otherwise act in respect of any horse for racing under his licence;
- Horses under his care, custody, or control shall not be eligible to participate in races unless otherwise directed in writing by the NHA; and
- Access to his stable yard shall be limited to matters necessary to ensure the welfare and proper care of the horses and shall be subject to any conditions imposed by the NHA.
This interim suspension is a precautionary regulatory measure and does not constitute a finding of guilt. It is imposed solely to protect the integrity and proper functioning of horseracing pending the outcome of the Inquiry process.
Trainer Zaki is entitled to submit written representations regarding this interim suspension, by latest 12h00 Monday, 29 June 2026, should he wish the NHA consider them before the Inquiry.
INQUIRY PROCESS
The Inquiry scheduled for 14 July 2026 will afford Mr Zaki all procedural rights provided for under the NHA Rules, including:
- legal representation;
- present evidence;
- challenge evidence presented against him; and
- a fair hearing before a duly constituted Inquiry Board.
The Inquiry will consider alleged contraventions of the Rules of the NHA, including, but not limited to, Rules 10.5.14, 73.2.3, 73.2.4 and 73.2.6, together with any other Rules that may become applicable on the evidence presented.
The Inquiry Board may also be entitled to consider any additional specimens, analytical findings, charges, or related matters properly placed before it during the course of proceedings.
The interim suspension will remain in force pending the outcome of this process, subject to any further lawful determination.
NHA Release by
Vee Moodley
Chief Executive
26 June 2026
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