The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (“the NHA”) confirms that at an Inquiry held in Durban on Monday, 23 June 2025, Jockey Andrew Fortune was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.2, in that as the rider of CHERRY OH BABY, he failed to ride the horse in question in a competent and professional manner in Race 1 at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 7 May 2025.
Jockey Fortune pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge.
After considering the evidence presented, the Inquiry Board imposed a sanction consisting of a suspension from riding in races for a period of twenty-eight (28) days, fourteen (14) of which were suspended for a period of one (1) year and the imposition of a fine of R20 000 (twenty thousand rand), of which R10 000 (ten thousand rand) was suspended for a period of one (1) year. The suspended penalties were conditional upon Jockey Fortune not being found guilty of a contravention of Rule 62.2.2 within the stipulated time frame.
Jockey Fortune has the right of appeal against both the finding and the sanction imposed, which he duly exercised.
Appeal Board Finding:
The Appeal was held at the offices of the NHA in Johannesburg on Monday, 13 October 2025.
The findings of the Appeal Board are as follows:
- The Appeal was upheld and the decision of the Inquiry Board was overturned; and
- The Appeal fee is to be refunded to Jockey Fortune.
Michael Shackleton
NHA Legal Advisor