The NHA had every legal right to suspend him immediately and Grant would be aware of this as well as all the other jocks. These rules are part of the contract they sign in order to be granted the license.
He had every right to take them on legally regarding his sanction.
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that at an Inquiry held in Johannesburg on Friday, 04 April 2025, Jockey G van Niekerk was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.26.
The particulars being that Jockey van Niekerk behaved or conducted himself in such a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horse racing or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY, a RACING OPERATOR, any training establishment, the ACADEMY, the STEWARDS or members of any committee of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or any INQUIRY BOARD, APPEAL BOARD, INQUIRY REVIEW BOARD, the LICENSING BOARD, any OBJECTION BOARD or any RACING OPERATOR or any official of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or RACING OPERATOR;
The charge originated from comments made by Jockey van Niekerk during a post-race interview following the running of Race 2 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville Racecourse on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.
Jockey van Niekerk pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge.
Penalty Imposed
After considering the nature of the offence, the rule violation, Jockey van Niekerk’s personal circumstances, and the interests of the racing community, the Inquiry Board ruled as follows:
1. Suspension:
A 90-day suspension from race riding, of which 60 days are suspended for three years, subject to the following conditions:
1.1 Public Apology: Jockey van Niekerk must issue a public apology to the NHA via the media within ten days of this ruling.
1.2 Jockey van Niekerk must not be convicted of Rule 72.1.26 during the three-year suspension period.
1.3 The nine days suspension already served will be taken into account in determining the dates of the remainder of the 30 days’ suspension. Accordingly, the 30-day suspension could be served from 27 March 2025 to 26 April 2025, subject to his right of appeal.
2. Fine
2.1 A fine of R100,000, of which R75,000 is suspended for three years, on condition that Jockey van Niekerk is not convicted of another Rule 72.1.26 violation during this period.
Jockey G van Niekerk was given the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed.
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