Leon Erasmus
The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an inquiry was held at its offices at Turffontein Racecourse on Friday 14 August 2015.
Mr Erasmus was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.3 in that a specimen taken from the horse CAPTAIN ALI, prior to the running of the 4th race at the Vaal Racecourse on 14 May 2015, was found to contain the prohibited substance Caffeine, a prohibited substance in terms of Rule 73.4.
Mr Erasmus pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was found guilty of the charge.
raAfter considering all the facts relevant to this matter, the Board imposed a penalty of a fine of R60 000.00, of which R20 000.00 is wholly suspended for a period of 2 years on condition that Mr Erasmus is not found guilty of an offence in terms of Rule 73.2 over the said period.
In applying the relevant guidelines when determining the sum of the penalty to be imposed, the Inquiry Board took cognisance of the particular mitigating circumstances relevant to this matter, including the following:
- the fact that the only prior contravention by Mr Erasmus under Rule 73.2 involved a Class 5 substance;
- the fully co-operative and frank manner in which Mr Erasmus approached the inquiry proceedings.
Furthermore, CAPTAIN ALI, in terms of Rule 72.3, is disqualified from the 4th race run at the Vaal Racecourse on 14 May 2015.
