S’Manga Khumalo (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Some are saying the two week suspension and R54,500 fine handed to S’Manga Khumalo for a crop misuse offense is harsh, but in a day and age when racing is being put in the spotlight by animal abuse organisations few would be able to argue against Khumalo being a repeat offender.
His latest transgression also took part on South Africa’s biggest stage of all, although it is not known whether that influenced the decision.
The NHA press release on the matter stated:
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa confirms that at an Inquiry held in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday, 21 July 2024, Jockey S Khumalo was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M in Appendix E on the use of the crop). The particulars being that he misused his crop by striking COUSIN CASEY more than twelve times (15) which was not warranted when considering the circumstances of the race, during Race 7, Hollywoodbets Durban July (Grade 1), at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 06 July 2024.
Jockey Khumalo pleaded guilty and was found guilty of the charge.
The Inquiry Board, after considering the mitigating factors presented, Mr Khumalo’s recent record pertaining to this type of contravention and the status of the race, ruled that he be suspended from riding in races for a period of fourteen (14) days, and a fine of R54 500 (fifty-four thousand and five hundred rand) was imposed.
Jockey Khumalo was given the Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed.
