Luyolo Mxothwa’s jockey license has been cancelled with immediate effect following him being found guilty of serious integrity related allegations and sentenced.
Some of the public have asked why Sean Veale only received a rap on the knuckles for the voice note he sent, while Mxothwa has been given a serious sanction?
The likely answer is because Veale’s misdemeanour related to a horse he was riding himself and which won, whereas Mxothwa’s was about a horse he was riding against.
An inquiry notice published by the NHRA said:
The Inquiry into Jockey Luyolo Mxothwa concluded before an appointed Inquiry Board on 14 May 2026 for the delivery of sanction following his finding of guilt.
Accordingly, the following sanction was imposed in terms of the Rules of the NHA:
- Mr Mxothwa’s current jockey licence is cancelled with immediate effect.
- Mr Mxothwa is precluded from applying for, renewing, holding, or being issued any jockey licence for a period of five (5) years, commencing 23 March 2026, of which three (3) years are suspended on specific conditions as set out in the sanction handed down by the Inquiry Board, as attached.
Read below link for the full list of sanctions placed on Mxothwa
Click here for NHA Inquiry Proceedings – L Mxothwa
Michael Shackleton
Legal Executive
The details of the inquiry and the guilty verdict were contained in an earlier published inquiry notice, which can be read below:
The Inquiry into Jockey Luyolo Mxothwa reconvened before an appointed Inquiry Board on 7 May 2026.
Mr Mxothwa entered a plea of guilty of contravening of Rule 72.1.26 read together with Rules 72.1.12 and 72.1.19, in that:-
- During or about December 2025 or early January 2026, he transmitted a voice note recorded by him to an unknown person, alternatively Noor Iqbal, alternatively Zaheer Ali, (“the voice note”) in which it was stated by the Respondent as follows:-
Mr L Mxothwa: “The thing is I don’t know the horse, if it was a horse I knew, then I would confirm easy. You know, and it’s a new horse, it’s a bad field but I spoke to the trainer of the other horse, they said Zackey will win the race. So let’s have a go, let’s see what happens. Ja, so let’s do it. Chat later.”
- The voice note relates to Race 1 on 2 January 2026 at Fairview Racecourse.
3. His conduct in sending the voice note constitutes behaviour:-
3.1 which undermines public confidence and creates an appearance of impropriety; and
3.2 which he ought to have reported to the NHA.
4. The WhatsApp voice note reflects:
4.1 discussion of race outcome expectations; and/or
4.2 reliance on information obtained from a trainer or about a horse; and/or
4.3 a proposal to “have a go”, which in context denotes participation in a betting or outcome-linked arrangement; and/or
4.4 the impugned WhatsApp voice note was not part of legitimate race preparation, but constituted improper race-related communication.
5. The WhatsApp voice note was made in furtherance of, or in connection with:
5.1 the sharing of race-sensitive information for a strategic advantage; and/or
5.2 created the appearance of an arrangement inconsistent with the obligations of a licensed jockey; and/or
5.3 inciting or conspiring with an unknown person alternatively Noor Iqbal alternatively Zahir Ali to commit a prohibited practice in relation to racing.
The Inquiry Board accepted Jockey Mxothwa’s plea of guilty and found him guilty.
Arguments were made in respect of penalty, and the Inquiry Board reserved its judgment on sentencing, and the matter has been adjourned and will resume on 14 May 2026.
Mr Mxothwa’s interim suspension remains in place pending the finalisation of the Inquiry.
Michael Shackleton
Legal Executive
