In what could prove a watershed moment for disciplinary action in the South African jockey ranks, two senior riders will face an Inquiry Board in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The unfortunate events during the race meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday 13 February involving Billy Jacobson and Muzi Yeni will come under the spotlight at the Inquiry before Advocate Karen Lapham-Fourie and Ms Bibi Loonat at the offices of the National Horseracing Authority’s attorneys Norton Rose Fulbright in Sandton.
Jacobson is being represented by leading Cape-based horseracing specialist attorney Robert Bloomberg, while Yeni has John Bolus acting for him.
Both riders have been placed under an indefinite suspension since 15 February.
The precise charges the duo are facing have not been made public, and it is believed that witnesses include fellow riders and Stipendiary Stewards.
While the incidents occurred in KZN, it is not known why the NHA opted to hold the Inquiry in Johannesburg, and why it is being held at their Attorney’s offices as opposed to their own ample offices at Turffontein Racecourse.
In view of the unprecedented nature of the matter and the public interest therein, the Sporting Post formally approached the National Horseracing Authority in order to obtain their sanction to have a representative present to cover the Inquiry.
Despite us obtaining the written support and agreement of both Jacobson and Yeni to have the Inquiry opened to the media, our multiple requests for permission were ignored.
