The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that an Inquiry was held in Cape Town on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, Jockey G Lerena was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.
Gavin Lerena – prejudiced his chances of a fifth place (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The particulars being that he failed to ride POETS WARRIOR out to the end of the race to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards, thereby prejudicing his chances of obtaining fifth (5th) place in Race 4, the NEW TURF CARRIERS WESTERN CAPE STAYERS (Grade 3), run over 2800m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 25 January 2025.
Due to Jockey Lerena not attending the Inquiry, the Inquiry Board entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, and after deliberation, he was found guilty of the charge.
After considering the evidence, as well as taking Jockey Lerena’s record pertaining to this type of contravention and the status of the race into account, a fine of the equivalent of the gross stake for fifth place in this race of R11 875 (eleven thousand eight hundred and seventy-five rand) was imposed.
Gavin Lerena has the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed.
- Media release by the NHA on Thursday, 19 June 2025.
