The aspect of post retirement care of thoroughbreds has come under the spotlight after the National Horseracing Authority confirmed that its Officials conducted a visit to an unauthorised race meeting near Idutywa in the Eastern Cape on Sunday, 30 October 2022.
This image for illustration only (Pic – Idutywa Facebook)
It was established that 33 thoroughbred racehorses participated at this race meeting, several of which had recently left the care of licensed Trainers.
In terms of Rule 93.2.1, the horses have been suspended for a period of 180 days as they participated at an unauthorised race meeting.
The regulation of unauthorised race meetings is not up to the standard of race meetings under the Rules of the NHA and there are multiple associated concerns in relation to horse welfare. The traceability of the horses that participated at this unauthorised race meeting is currently being looked into and where applicable, action will be taken against offending persons under the Rules.
The names of horses that have been suspended have been published in the Racing Calendar, dated 4 November 2022, with additions to be published in this week’s edition.
- Media release by National Horseracing Authority on 7 November 2022
