The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on Thursday, 24 July 2025.
Background:
At an Inquiry held in Cape Town on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, Jockey G van Niekerk was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7. The specifics of the charge were that, whilst riding ALL OUT FOR SIX, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to THE GREY KING and ONE STRIPE when he shifted in at the 150m in Race 8 of the HSH Princess Charlene Big Cap run over 1400m at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 16 March 2025.
Jockey van Niekerk pleaded not guilty and was found guilty of the charge.
After consideration of the mitigating and aggravating factors, including Mr van Niekerk’s recent disciplinary record related to similar contraventions and the status of the race, the Inquiry Board imposed the following penalties:
- A suspension from riding in races for a period of twenty-one (21) days.
- A fine of R50 000 (fifty thousand rand).
Jockey van Niekerk was given the right to appeal the finding and the penalty imposed, which he exercised.
Appeal Board Ruling:
The Appeal Board issued the following order:
- The appeal is dismissed.
- The appellant (Jockey G van Niekerk) is ordered to pay an amount limited to R50 000 towards the NHA’s legal costs of the day.
- The appellant (Jockey G van Niekerk) is further ordered to pay the costs of the Appeal Board which convened on 24 July 2025.
- Jockey van Niekerk’s appeal fee is forfeited.
A D Hyde
Racing Control Executive