NATIONAL log-leading jockey, S’Manga Khumalo, has been suspended from riding in races for a period of 60 days. This was confirmed by the National Horseracing Authority after an appeal lodged by Khumalo was heard at its offices on Friday 14 March 2014.

Khumalo was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.1 in that he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that his mount Supertube was given a full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible placing in the 10th race run at the Vaal Racecourse on 5 November 2013.

After a slight stumble at the start, Khumalo is said to have failed to take measures to improve his position in the first 900 metres of the race, and in the final 500 metres he failed to ride with his normal vigour and determination.

The Appeal Board dismissed Khumalo’s Appeal and confirmed the penalty which had been imposed by the Inquiry Board.  The Appeal Board declared the prescribed fee in terms of Rule 85.5.8 to be forfeited.

The Appeal Board will prepare detailed reasons for its decision, which reasons will be made available as soon as circumstances might permit.