Lerena - The verdict

PRESS RELEASE

INQUIRY – JOCKEYS MR GAVIN LERENA AND MR JASON GATES

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that the Inquiry into the incident involving Jockey Gavin Lerena (GIMME A STORM) and Jockey Jason Gates (BLURRED VISION) that commenced on 21 February 2025 and adjourned to 24 March 2025, was finalised today.


Jockey Gavin Lerena

Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with the following contraventions of

1). Rule 62.2.2 read with Rules 62.2.3 and 72.1.25

In that he rode GIMME A STORM in an unprofessional manner by changing his riding style by stopping riding, standing up in the stirrup irons and striking Jockey Jason Gates across his back with his crop on at least two occasions in the running

Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of guilty to contraventions of Rules 62.2.2 and 72.1.25 and not guilty to a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.

2) Rule 72.1.26

In that as the rider of GIMME A STORM he behaved and conducted himself in a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horseracing, or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NHA or relevant Racing Operator

Jockey Lerena entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of Rule 72.1.26.

The Inquiry Board found Jockey Lerena guilty of the charges incorporating the contraventions and imposed the following penalties:

1)  Jockey Lerena was suspended from riding in races for a period of ninety (90) days of which sixty (60) days is wholly suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of these Rules for a period of two years.

2)  Jockey Lerena was fined the amount of R200 000 of which R100 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.26 for a period of two years.

Jockey Lerena has the right of appeal regarding both the findings and penalties that were imposed.

Jockey Jason Gates

Jockey Jason Gates was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.4 in that he rode BLURRED VISION in a careless, negligent, reckless or dangerous manner by intentionally striking the crop out of Jockey Lerena’s hand in the closing stages of this race.

Jockey Gates entered a plea of not guilty but was found guilty to the charge.

Jockey Gates was fined the amount of R10 000, of which R5 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 62.2.4 for a period of two years.

Jockey Gates has the right of appeal against the finding and penalty that were imposed.

Vee Moodley
Chief Executive

......does Gavin get to choose when he has to do his now 30 days.....and should he appeal when will they hear it.....and if not successful is he able to ride for the next 60 days there after until the 30 days suspension is in effect .....huh

I don't think that the fines are fair. I feel that they are now sweeping the dust under the carpet, to carry on regardless. Probably come back to bite us from behind.

So effectively 30 days and R 100 k fine .

Van Niekerk gets 21days and R50 K fine

Am I missing something?? 

All these fines and suspensions ,is this not a case of double jeopardy?I mean the sanction should be either or but surely not both .
I remember an Apple in England threw a race and was warned off for five years ,he turned state witness and was allowed to continue riding .
The point is they did not fine him he just got warned off.I note with the NHA the jockeys get a fine and a suspension ( maybe the Jocks can litigate this point) .

PRESS RELEASE


INQUIRY – JOCKEYS MR GAVIN LERENA AND MR JASON GATES


Following the Press Release that was sent out on Monday, 31 March 2025, concerning the outcome of the Jockey Lerena and Jockey Gates Inquiry, the NHA confirms the following.

The Inquiry Board advised both Jockeys that the written reasons would be provided to them by Friday, 11 April 2025 and that they would be afforded a period of 7 (seven) days from this date, to give notice in writing of any intention to appeal the Inquiry Board’s findings.




Arnold Hyde
Racing Control Executive