The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at Kenilworth Racecourse on Tuesday, 15 November 2022 Jockey G van Niekerk was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7. The particulars being that, as the rider of SILVER OPERATOR he failed to ensure that he was not a source of interference to RASCALLION leaving the 200m in Race 8, CAPE MILE (Grade 3) run over 1600m at Kenilworth Racecourse on 5 November 2022.

 Jockey G van Niekerk pleaded guilty to and was found guilty of the charge. 

After considering the video evidence, his riding record and mitigating factors, the Board imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of seven (7) days.

Jockey G van Niekerk waived his Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed and was granted permission to take his suspension from 20/11/2022 to 26/11/2022, both dates inclusive.