S’Manga Khumalo is a twice champion jockey and twice winner of the country’s biggest race, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, but is now one of two jockeys facing serious allegations brought against them by the NHA (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Both S’Manga Khumalo and Luyolo Mxothwa have had interim suspensions placed on them, with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a formal inquiry into allegations, inter alia, of communications and financial dealings linked to race activity; exchange-betting and related conduct; and actions allegedly inconsistent with the integrity of horseracing and the obligations of a licensed jockey.
These matters potentially constitute contraventions of multiple Rules of the NHA, including provisions relating to corrupt or dishonest practices, prohibited betting activities, conduct affecting the performance of a horse and conduct bringing the sport into disrepute.
The separate NHA Press Releases about the pair were identical in content and read:
PRESS RELEASE: Mr S’Manga Khumalo/ Mr Luyolo Mxothwa
THE NATIONAL HORSERACING AUTHORITY IMPOSES INTERIM SUSPENSION ON LICENSED JOCKEY
The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that it has imposed an interim suspension on licensed jockey Mr Smanga Khumalo/Mr Luyolo Mxothwa, with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a formal Inquiry.
This decision follows the emergence of serious allegations concerning the jockey’s conduct, which are currently under investigation and will form the subject of an Inquiry scheduled for 7 and 8 April 2026.
The allegations relate, inter alia, to:
- communications and financial dealings linked to race activity;
- exchange-betting and related conduct; and
- actions allegedly inconsistent with the integrity of horseracing and the obligations of a licensed jockey.
These matters potentially constitute contraventions of multiple Rules of the NHA, including provisions relating to:
- corrupt or dishonest practices;
- prohibited betting activities;
- conduct affecting the performance of a horse; and
- conduct bringing the sport into disrepute.
INTERIM SUSPENSION
In terms of Rule 91.2 of the NHA Rules, the Chief Executive has determined that the continued participation of the jockey poses an unacceptable risk to the integrity of the sport.
Accordingly, during the period of suspension, the jockey is:
- prohibited from riding in any race under NHA jurisdiction;
- prohibited from participating in race meetings in any capacity as a licensed jockey; and
- required to comply with all directives issued by the NHA.
BASIS FOR DECISION
The NHA emphasises that this action is taken in the interests of:
- safeguarding the integrity of horseracing;
- maintaining public and industry confidence in race outcomes; and
- preventing any potential continuation or repetition of the alleged conduct.
The Authority further notes that the interim suspension is a precautionary measure and does not constitute a finding of guilt.
INQUIRY PROCESS
A formal Inquiry will be convened on 7 and 8 April 2026, where the jockey will be afforded full procedural rights, including:
- legal representation;
- the opportunity to present and challenge evidence; and
- a fair hearing before an Inquiry Board constituted in terms of the NHA Constitution.
The interim suspension will remain in place pending the outcome of this process, subject to any further lawful determination.
COMMITMENT TO INTEGRITY
The NHA reiterates its zero-tolerance approach to conduct that undermines the integrity of horseracing. The Authority remains steadfast in its mandate to ensure that the sport is conducted fairly, transparently, and in a manner that upholds public confidence. Further investigations in respect of other licensees are currently on-going.
Vee Moodley
Chief Executive
23 March 2026
