The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (the NHA) confirms that at an Inquiry commenced at its offices in Johannesburg on 12 October 2023, Trainer Mr A P Peter was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.7 and Rule 10.5.14. 

The particulars being that he was the Trainer responsible for AXEL COLLINS and YOURE MY SUNSHINE, when a specimen collected from these horses at his Racing Stables at the Turffontein Racecourse on 24 July 2023, disclosed upon analysis the presence of Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic classified as a Class 2 prohibited substance, the administration of which, was not accurately recorded as a treatment record in a Veterinary Treatment Register (VTR). 

Lignocaine is a local anaesthetic commonly used in horses to numb specific areas for minor procedures or to provide nerve blocks during lameness examinations.  

The Inquiry continued on 13 October 2023 and 6 November 2023. 

Today, 3 October 2025, the Inquiry Board accepted an Admission of Guilt from Mr A P Peter in the amount of R15 000 (Fifteen Thousand Rand), in full and final settlement of the matter. 

In determining the above penalty, careful consideration was given to the class of substance involved, the Trainer’s record of prior prohibited substance contraventions within the past five years, the concentration of the substance detected in the specimen, and the fact that both horses were withdrawn from the race meeting on 27 July 2023 in terms of Rule 4.2.18. 

Michael Shackleton

NHA Legal Advisor