The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (the NHA) confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices in Port Elizabeth on 26 June 2025, trainer Lunga Gila was charged with contraventions of Rules 73.2.2 and 73.2.3.
The particulars being that he was the Trainer and the person responsible for MITREDAT, from which a specimen taken prior to the running of the 3rd race at Fairview Racecourse on 22 April 2025, disclosed upon analysis the presence of Flunixin, a prohibited substance (classified as a class 4 substance in terms of the Guidelines). MITREDAT finished in 4th place in the race.
Mr Gila pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty of as charged.
The Inquiry Board, in coming to a suitable penalty, took into consideration all mitigating and aggravating factors and imposed a fine of R34 000 (thirty four thousand rand) in relation to the charge.
Furthermore, in terms of Rule 72.3.2, MITREDAT is disqualified from the said race.
- Media release by the NHA on Friday, 27 June 2025.
