The NHA released an update today on the inquiry into charges against Summerveld-based trainer Dominic Zaki (Picture: Chase Liebenberg)
UPDATE – INQUIRY: TRAINER MR DOMINIC ZAKI
The Inquiry into Trainer Mr Dominic Zaki, which commenced before an Independent Inquiry Board on 14 July 2026, continued on 28 and 29 July 2026 and evidence was concluded on 17 and 18 August 2026.
The following charges were preferred against Mr Zaki:
Charge 1
On or about 24 April 2026, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, the horse NOTABLE, of which the Trainer was the licensed trainer and which was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, was presented for an official veterinarian’s gallop, in terms of Rule 49.7, and a urine specimen was collected.
Analysis disclosed the presence of the prohibited substances:
- Caffeine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance; and
- Procaine, a Class 2 Prohibited Substance in the circumstances.
Mr Zaki pleaded not guilty to a contravention of Rule 73.2.6, insofar as the charge related to the presence of Procaine at a level constituting a Class 2 contravention.
Charge 2
On or about 13 May 2026, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, a urine and plasma specimen was collected from the horse NOTABLE, of which the Trainer was the licensed trainer.
Analysis disclosed the presence of the prohibited substance Caffeine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance.
By reason of the presence of Caffeine in the specimens collected from NOTABLE whilst the horse was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, the Trainer contravened Rule 73.2.3.
Mr Zaki pleaded guilty, on a strict liability basis, to a contravention of Rule 73.2.3.
Charge 3
On or about 3 June 2026, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, the horse QUICKSMART, of which the Trainer was the licensed trainer and which was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control (prior to it being euthanised) ran in Race 3 and a plasma specimen was collected following the horse breaking down.
Analysis disclosed the presence of the prohibited substances:
- Acepromazine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance;
- Caffeine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance; and
- Lidocaine, a Class 2 Prohibited Substance.
Mr Zaki pleaded guilty, on a strict liability basis, to a contravention of Rule 73.2.4.
Charge 4
On or about 17 June 2026, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, a plasma specimen was collected from the horse CRAFT MARKET (GB), of which the Trainer was the licensed trainer.
Analysis of specimen B59492 disclosed the presence of the prohibited substance Caffeine, a Class 3 Prohibited Substance.
By reason of the presence of that prohibited substance in the specimen collected from CRAFT MARKET (GB) whilst the horse was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, the Trainer contravened Rule 73.2.3.
Mr Zaki pleaded guilty, on a strict liability basis, to a contravention of Rule 73.2.3.
Charge 5
During the period preceding the collection of specimens from the horses NOTABLE, QUICKSMART, CRAFT MARKET (GB), the Trainer was the licensed trainer responsible for those horses.
The Trainer failed accurately and legibly to record, or cause to be accurately and legibly recorded, in the Veterinary Treatment Register:
- veterinary treatment administered to NOTABLE, QUICKSMART, CRAFT MARKET (GB); and/or
- preparations containing a prohibited substance administered to NOTABLE, QUICKSMART, CRAFT MARKET (GB), as required by Rule 10.5.14.
Charge 6
During the eight-day period immediately preceding the race on or about 3 June 2026, whilst QUICKSMART was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, the Trainer administered, alternatively caused or permitted to be administered, preparations containing prohibited substances including:
- Flunixin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on 26 May 2026;
- Ketoprofen, an NSAID, on 29 May 2026;
- Meloxicam, an NSAID, on 30 May 2026;
- Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, on 30 May 2026; and
- Flumethasone, a corticosteroid, on 31 May 2026.
In addition, on or about 3 June 2026, whilst QUICKSMART was under the Trainer’s care, custody and control, the Trainer administered, alternatively caused or permitted to be administered, preparations containing Acepromazine, Caffeine and Lidocaine, alternatively failed to prevent such administration.
The administration of the substances referred to in paragraphs above, had the effect, alternatively was intended to have the effect, of masking pain, altering the horse’s behaviour or physiological responses, or permitting the horse to race notwithstanding an underlying clinical condition.
Mr Zaki denied the allegations in respect of Charges 5 and 6, and pleas of not guilty were entered on both counts.
The Inquiry Board subsequently issued its judgment and order on 22 August 2026, having considered the charges, pleas, evidence and submissions made by the parties.
The Inquiry Board found Mr Zaki guilty of the following:
Charge 1
A contravention of Rule 73.2.6, which revealed the presence of:
- Caffeine, a Class 3 prohibited substance; and
- Procaine, a Class 4 prohibited substance.
Charges 2, 3 and 4
Guilty on a strict liability basis, in accordance with the pleas entered.
Charge 5
Guilty of a contravention of Rule 10.5.14.
Charge 6
Guilty of abusing and ill-treating the horse QUICKSMART, in contravention of Rule 72.1.10.
The matter has been adjourned for argument on the appropriate penalty and will resume on 29 September 2026.
Mr Zaki and the NHA continue to be legally represented.
Mr Zaki’s interim suspension remains in place pending the finalisation of the inquiry.
Vee Moodley
Chief Executive
