Sohot Sowhat (right) is narrowly denied by Jou Lekker Ding in a 1400m Class 4 event for fillies and mares at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on February 11. Gavin Lerena (on Sohot Sowhat) was later charged with causing interference to two other horses, found guilty and suspended for ten days. He appealed and the appeal was upheld and the decision of the inquiry board was overturned
The NHA have released details today (October 14) of a Gavin Lerena appeal which did succeed, although it took place as long ago as September 22.
The details of this appeal can be read below:
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (“the NHA”) confirms that an Appeal was held at its offices in Johannesburg on Monday, 22 September 2025.
Having studied the footage and having considered the appellant’s explanations, the Appeal Board was not satisfied on a balance of probabilities that Mr Lerena had failed to take the necessary corrective actions. The Appeal Board found no causal connection between the rider’s actions and the interference with other horses.
The Appeal Board upheld the appeal of Jockey Lerena and overturned the decision of the Inquiry Board.
The appeal fee was refunded to Jockey Lerena.
Background:
An Inquiry was held in Cape Town on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
Jockey G Lerena was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7. The particulars being that whilst riding SOHOT SOWHAT, he failed to ensure that he did not cause interference to LA DIVINA and BELA VISTA at the 100m in Race 8, the RACECAPE POWERED BY Hollywoodbets CLASS 4 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 11 February 2025.
Due to Jockey Lerena not attending the Inquiry, the Inquiry Board entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, and after deliberation, he was found guilty of the charge.
After considering the evidence, as well as taking Jockey G Lerena’s record pertaining to this type of contravention into account, a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of ten (10) days was imposed.
Jockey G Lerena was afforded the Right of Appeal against both the finding and the penalty imposed, which he duly exercised.
Michael Shackleton
NHA Legal Advisor
