Karl Zechner – fined
The National Horseracing Authority confirms that an inquiry was held at its offices on 16 August 2016, into the reasons why Jockey Karl Zechner failed to comply with a reasonable order from a licensed Official and into his conduct in the Boardroom, following the running of Race 6 at the Turffontein Racecourse on 9 August 2016.
Jockey Zechner failed to appear before the Board and accordingly, the matter was heard in his absence.
Jockey Zechner was charged with a contravention of Rules 72.1.40, 72.1.25 and 72.1.33 which reads:
RULE 72.1.40 :-
In that he failed and refused to comply with any reasonable order from a licensed official.
RULE 72.1.25 :-
In that he conducted himself in an improper manner in the Boardroom at the Turffontein Racecourse on 9 August 2016.
AND
RULE 72.1.33 :-
In that he failed to attend the inquiry when required to do so in terms of the Rules.
In Mr Zechner’s absence, the Board entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf but was found guilty of all three charges.
The Board, after taking into account the factors in mitigation such as Mr Zechner’s record, his average number of rides per week and his travelling costs, ruled that the following penalties would be appropriate:
Rule 72.1.40, Mr Zechner be fined the sum of two thousand rand (R2000.00);
Rule 72.1.25, Mr Zechner be fined the sum of ten thousand rand (R10.000) of which five thousand rand (R5000) is suspended for a period of twelve months on condition that he is not found guilty of an offence in terms of Rule 72.1.25 during this period;
AND for a contravention of
Rule 72.1.33, he be fined the sum of two thousand rand (R2000.00).
Jockey Zechner has the right of appeal against the findings and the penalties imposed.
