The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa confirms that at an Inquiry held in Johannesburg, on Monday, 26 August 2024, Jockey Smanga Khumalo was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline 3 in Appendix E on the use of the crop).
The particulars being that he as the rider of Viva de Janeiro, Khumalo misused his crop by striking this gelding forward of the saddle whilst his crop hand was off the reins, during Race 4, at the Vaal Racecourse on 20 August 2024.
Smanga Khumalo is in the black and white silks on the inside – Viva de Janeiro ran last:
Due to Mr Khumalo expressing uncertainty of what plea to enter in response to the charge, the Inquiry Board entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
After considering the mitigating factors presented and Mr Khumalo’s record pertaining to this type of contravention, the Inquiry Board found him guilty as charged and a fine of R1000 was imposed.
Jockey Khumalo was given the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed.
- Media release by NHA on Thursday 29 August 2024.