The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Port Elizabeth on Thursday, 20 August 2020, Mr Gavin Venter, a licenced Stable Employee and Colour Holder was charged with contraventions of Rules 72.1.25 and 72.1.42.
The specifics of the charges being:-
- That on Friday, 31 July 2020, he physically assaulted another Jockey in the weighing room area, following an objection hearing after the running of Race 9 at Fairview Racecourse and in doing so, conducted himself in an improper manner on racecourse property.
- That during the Objection hearing following the running of Race 9 at Fairview Racecourse, he directed verbal threats towards a Jockey in the Stipendiary Stewards Boardroom and conducted himself in an improper, disrespectful and abusive manner during a hearing under the Rules of Racing.
Mr Venter pleaded guilty to both charges.
The Inquiry Board after carefully considering the evidence and all mitigating and aggravating factors, found Mr Venter guilty on both charges.
Before determining a suitable penalty regarding both charges, the Inquiry Board considered that the conduct of Mr Venter was sufficiently serious enough to attract the strongest censure, so as to serve as both a penalty and a possible deterrent to others in the industry.
Insofar as the contravention of Rule 72.1.25 was concerned, a penalty of a fine of R30 000 was imposed.
In relation to the contravention of Rule 72.1.42 was concerned, a penalty of a fine of R15 000 was imposed.
Mr Venter was afforded the Right of Appeal against the penalties handed down by the Inquiry Board.