The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirmed that an inquiry was held into the circumstances surrounding an objection which was lodged immediately after the running of the first race at Turffontein on Saturday, September 3.  The race was won by the favourite Querari Viking from Nordic Storm. The grounds of the objection were two-fold: firstly, an allegation of interference by the winner immediately after the start which resulted in the second horse clipping the heels of the winner; secondly, an interference which took place at the 300m mark which also resulted in the second horse clipping the heels of the winner.

The objection board consisting of T Khanyile (the race day Chairman) and G Timm and G Foxcroft viewed the various films of the race and heard comments from the respective trainers and jockeys.  The board came to a decision (by a majority of 2 to 1 with Foxcroft dissenting) that the objection be upheld.

When this decision was announced a number of angry punters gathered outside the stipes boardroom and voiced their displeasure with the decision. Khanyile was later interviewed by Tellytrack to explain the reasons for the decision.  His explanation did not satisfy the punters and further criticism was voiced.  Arnold Hyde, the Racing Control Executive, then announced that an Inquiry would be conducted into the entire incident.

At the inquiry, the various films of the race were viewed by the board.  This took place in the presence of Deanthan Moodley, the NHA’s legal counsel (who gave his reading of the race) and the three stipes who had sat on the objection board.  In the course of the discussions it transpired that there was no dispute about the decision to uphold the objection.  It was a wrong decision.  In brief, the first complaint was without merit.  The second horse had lost 2 – 3 lengths at the start (as confirmed by the starter) and no interference or clipping of heels occurred.  As for the second complaint, again, no interference or clipping of heels took place.  During this part of the inquiry Khanyile candidly admitted that, having gone through the films after the date of the incident, he conceded that he had been wrong.  He admitted that he had made a mistake.  Timm expressed similar views.  As for the inquiry board itself, it was satisfied that the objection was wholly groundless and was in fact frivolous.  The board noted that Moodley confirmed there was no evidence whatsoever to suggest that the two stipes who had upheld the decision, had in any way done so out of improper or sinister motives.

The inquiry board pointed out that it had no power to interfere with, or alter the decision.  Further, that it also had no power to conduct a disciplinary hearing into the conduct of the stipes arising out of their duties as employees of the NHA.

In the light of the above findings, the NHA has initiated internal disciplinary hearings.