The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on 30 November 2020, Jockey Lyle Hewitson was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7.
The particulars of the charge being, that as the rider of MATTERHORN, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to ANSE LAZIO (AUS) at the 100m in Race 6 at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 25 October 2020.
Jockey Hewitson pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Watch the race here:
The Inquiry Board found Jockey Hewitson guilty as charged and after considering all factors in mitigation, which included his clean record, imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of seven (7) days.
Jockey Hewitson has the Right of Appeal against the finding and the penalty imposed.
Ed – Stipes excerpt:
MATTERHORN (L Hewitson) and THE BAYOU (M Yeni) were cramped shortly after the start on the outside of ANSE LAZIO (A Arries) which jumped outwards leaving the starting stalls.
At the 100m, ANSE LAZIO (A Arries) was bumped outwards and unbalanced by MATTERHORN (L Hewitson) which shifted out sharply away from the crop. A race review was called into this incident which was followed by an objection being lodged by Jockey A Arries on behalf of the second placed horse (ANSE LAZIO (AUS) against the winner (MATTERHORN) on the grounds of interference in the concluding stages.
After considering the evidence in this matter, which included the circumstances of this incident and the distance of 0.20 of a length between these 2 horses at the finish, the Board was satisfied that but for the above incident, ANSE LAZIO (AUS) would have finished ahead of MATTERHORN (L Hewitson). Therefore it upheld the Objection and amended the Judge’s result. Jockey A Arries’ deposit was refunded
