The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices in Turffontein on 13 April 2011, adjourned and resumed on 16 January 2012, Jockey M J Odendaal was charged with a contravention of Rule 77.1.1 in that urine specimen taken from him at Turffontein Racecourse on 27 of December 2010 disclosed upon analysis the presence of Lorazepam which is a prohibited substance in terms of the Rules of The National Horseracing Authority.
Jockey Odendaal pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board imposed a suspension from riding in race meetings for a period of one month, of which two weeks is wholly suspended for a period of one year on condition that Mr Odendaal is not found guilty of contravening the same Rule during that period.
Mr Odendaal has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.
