3 minute read

Leading South African jockey S’manga Khumalo has launched High Court proceedings against a 60-day suspension.

A National Horseracing Authority inquiry board suspended Khumalo from riding for 60 days following a finding that he had failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that his mount Supertube in the 10th race at Vaal on November 5 2013, was given a full opportunity to obtain the best possible placing.

An appeal board subsequently dismissed Khumalo’s appeal.

Immediately after his appeal was dismissed, Khumalo’s legal representative Robert Bloomberg, informed the NHA that he had received instructions to approach the High Court to review the finding and to seek an urgent interdict to prevent the implementation of the suspension pending the hearing of the review application.

Due to past circumstances and the cost implications involved, the management of the NHA agreed that the implementation of the penalty be suspended pending the hearing of the review application.

However, strict timelines and conditions were laid down for the launching of Khumalo’s application, with the NHA stating Khumalo was required to launch High Court proceedings within a specified period to ensure that the 60-day suspension from riding imposed upon him would not be implemented pending the finalisation of the High Court proceedings.

As Khumalo has launched the required High Court proceedings the suspension has at this stage not been implemented.