The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at its offices in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 8 March 2023, Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M on the use of the crop). 

The particulars being that whilst riding KOMMETDIEDING in the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Grade 1) at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 28 January 2023, he misused his crop by striking this horse more than 12 times in the entire race. 

Jockey G Lerena pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of the charge. 

The Inquiry Board, in arriving at an appropriate penalty, took into consideration the evidence presented and imposed a penalty of a fine of R15 000.00 (Fifteen Thousand Rand). 

Jockey G Lerena has the right of Appeal against the finding and the penalty imposed.