Champion Jockey Gavin Lerena will be on suspension from September 12 to October 11 (JC Photos)
Gavin Lerena’s chances of defending his jockey championship title took a blow when his appeal against the punishment meted out for the whipping of Jason Gates incident was dismissed today with costs.
The relevant rules in the inquiry below read as follows:
62.2.2 ride his HORSE in a competent and professional manner;
62.2.3 ride his HORSE out to the end of a RACE, where circumstances permit, to the satisfaction of the STIPENDIARY STEWARDS;
[Amended 12.08.2024]
72.1.25 misbehave himself or conduct himself in an improper manner on any RACE COURSE PROPERTY, at any time;
72.1.26 behave or conduct himself in such a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horse racing or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY, a RACING OPERATOR, any training establishment, the ACADEMY, the STEWARDS or members of any committee of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or any INQUIRY BOARD, APPEAL BOARD, INQUIRY REVIEW BOARD, the LICENSING BOARD, any OBJECTION BOARD or any RACING OPERATOR or any official of the NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY or RACING OPERATOR;
The findings of the appeal can be read below:
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that an Appeal was heard at its offices in Johannesburg on Monday, 18 August 2025.
Background:
At an Inquiry held in Johannesburg, which began on 21 February 2025 and culminated on 31 March 2025, Jockey Gavin Lerena was charged with the following contraventions:
- Rule 62.2.2 read with Rules 62.2.3 and 72.1.25
In that he rode GIMME A STORM in an unprofessional manner by changing his riding style by stopping riding, standing up in the stirrup irons and striking Jockey Jason Gates across his back with his crop on at least two occasions in the running.
Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of guilty to contraventions of Rules 62.2.2 and 72.1.25 and not guilty to a contravention of Rule 62.2.3.
- Rule 72.1.26
In that, as the rider of GIMME A STORM, he behaved and conducted himself in a manner which has or might have the effect of discrediting horseracing, or which does or might bring into disrepute the good name of the NHA or relevant Racing Operator.
Jockey Gavin Lerena entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of Rule 72.1.26.
The Inquiry Board found Jockey Gavin Lerena guilty of the charges incorporating the contraventions and imposed the following penalties:
- Jockey Gavin Lerena was suspended from riding in races for a period of ninety (90) days of which sixty (60) days is wholly suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of these Rules for a period of two years.
- Jockey Gavin Lerena was fined the amount of R200 000 of which R100 000 is suspended on condition that he is not found guilty of a contravention of Rule 72.1.26 for a period of two years.
Jockey Lerena was given the right to appeal the finding and the penalty imposed, which he exercised.
Appeal Board Ruling:
The Appeal Board issued the following order:
- The appeal is dismissed and the decision of the Inquiry Board is upheld.
- The appellant (Jockey G Lerena) is ordered to pay the costs of the Appeal Board which convened on 18 August 2025.
- Jockey Lerena’s appeal fee is forfeited.
Jockey Lerena’s suspension will run from 12 September to 11 October 2025 (both days inclusive).
