The NHA’s Gqeberha Stipendiary Board have warned local rider Sandile Khathi that his transgressions of the crop misuse rule are becoming ‘untenable’ and if he is found to have contravened rule 58.10.2 (in conjunction with guideline M) in future engagements, a more stringent sanction would be considered.
Sandile Khathi – walking a fine line with crop transgressions (Pic – Pauline Herman)
Rule 58.10.2 states that no rider shall misuse a crop or use a crop in an unnecessary or excessive manner, or use a crop on any part of a horse’s head . Riders are restricted to 12 strikes in a race.
After the running of the eighth race at Fairview on Friday, Khathi was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M on the use of the crop) in that as the rider of Makhachev he misused his crop by striking his mount 17 times (the limit is 12), which was not deemed warranted by the Stipes, when considering the circumstances of the race.
Sandile Khathi salutes on recent winner, Midway (Pic – Pauline Herman)
The 12-1 Makhachev was beaten a half length by Gimme More Time (Muzi Yeni), but finished a head in front of the 6-1 Master Forester (Richard Fourie).
The narrow margin and excessive use of the crop will have the Master Forester supporters pondering the justice of Makhachev keeping second spot. Our rules do not allow for an objection in this instance.
Khathi signed an admission of guilt and was fined R20 000, and suspended for seven days.
His suspension dates from 21/06/2025 to 27/06/2025, both dates inclusive.
Chad Little – terrific ride but went one over (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Chad Little rode a cracker to win the feature East Cape Breeders Stakes on Sweetie Darling in a tight finish but the victory was dampened when he was also charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 after he misused his crop by striking the filly one over the limit.
This was deemed unwarranted when considering the circumstances of the race. Little signed an admission of guilt and was fined R3 000.
Andrew Fortune appeared before the Board after the running of the fifth race and was questioned with regards to his riding of Bethel.
He explained that this gelding did not feel sound while proceeding to the start and did not stride out freely in running.
As a consequence, he did not persevere with his riding from the 500m.
Andrew Fortune – rode Bethel (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Fortune was further questioned as to whether he had reported this matter to the Stipendiary Stewards.
He confirmed that he had not made a report. The top jockey’s attention was drawn to the rules pertaining to a Jockey being obligated to report any circumstances which, in his opinion, would affect the performance of his mount.
In view of the Veterinary Surgeon’s report regarding Bethel , this gelding is suspended in terms of Rule 49.7 and a Veterinary Certificate is required prior to racing.
A Jockey representative approached the Stipendiary Board with concerns after the second race regarding a patch on the course at approximately the 1000m.
The Board contacted the Track Manager to address these concerns. An undertaking was given by the Track Manager to stamp the area concerned and level it in an attempt to avoid further complications.
A second concern, with regard to the gusting cross winds, was brought to the attention of the Board. The Jockeys were advised to race one off the rail and allow each other space to avoid any unforeseen situations which may arise.
After a power failure following the running of the second race, it was reported to the Stewards that the sweat box was not working. This matter was brought to the attention of the Racing Operator. As a result of this, no jockeys were sanctioned with regard to overweights on the afternoon.
- The next Fairview racemeeting is on Friday 27 June.
