The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa confirms that at an Inquiry held in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline 3 in Appendix E on the use of the crop) in four separate races.
Gavin Lerena fined for misuse of crop (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Incident 1 – 20 August 2024
As the rider of WAITFORGREENLIGHT, misused his crop by striking this filly forward of the saddle whilst his crop hand was off the reins, during Race 8, at Vaal Racecourse on 20 August 2024.
Jockey Lerena pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board, after considering the mitigating factors presented, imposed a fine of R1000.
Incident 2 – 24 August 2024
As the rider of ARIEL’S JET, misused his crop by striking this mare forward of the saddle whilst his crop hand was off the reins, during Race 9, at Turffontein Racecourse on 24 August 2024.
Jockey Lerena pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board, after considering the mitigating factors presented, imposed a fine of R1000.
Incident 3 – 24 August 2024
As the rider of HEROIC ACT, misused his crop by striking this mare forward of the saddle whilst his crop hand was off the reins, during Race 1, at Turffontein Racecourse on 24 August 2024.
Jockey Lerena pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board, after considering the mitigating factors presented, imposed a fine of R1000.
Incident 4 – 31 August 2024
The particulars being that he, as the rider of ANDI’S GIRL, misused his crop by striking this filly forward of the saddle whilst his crop hand was off the reins, during Race 1, at Turffontein Racecourse on 31 August 2024.
Jockey Lerena pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board, after considering the mitigating factors presented, imposed a fine of R1000.
Jockey Gavin Lerena was given the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed in all 4 of the above mentioned inquiries.
- Media release by the NHA on Wednesday, 18 September 2024.
