A horse racing event was canceled on Wednesday due to jockey protests over the suspension of a prominent rider. Grant Van Niekerk received a 21-day riding ban and a £2,000 fine for causing interference in a race at Kenilworth on March 15. Despite pleading not guilty, the penalty was imposed.
Van Niekerk competed at Durbanville and won a race on Wehaveasituation before his ban officially began. In a post-race interview with GallopTV, he expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that he believed he had not erred in the race. He criticized the system, suggesting that being a jockey in South Africa was becoming futile due to excessive fines and perceived favoritism.
The rider emphasized the need for fairness and understanding from stewards, highlighting the financial responsibilities jockeys have towards their families. Van Niekerk called for a reevaluation of the current practices in horse racing to ensure a more just and supportive environment for all participants.
Following Van Niekerk’s remarks, the Chief Executive of the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa, Vee Moodley, announced an immediate interim suspension for the jockey due to his comments, initiating an inquiry into the matter. In response, jockeys at Durbanville protested to officials, leading to the cancellation of the race card after the third race.