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January 2 - South African horseracing authorities are proving to be on the ball and ready to pounce should jockeys divert even for a second from their professional commitments, it was shown this week. No less than four different jockeys were fined or suspended in five separate incidents that involved anything from incompetent riding to excessive crop wielding on horses.
Jockey Anton Marcus was brought before the authorities for two separate incidents. The more minor one involved Marcus failing to ensure that he did not cause interference to Fakazi while he was riding Hurricane Force. The Race 8 took place on November 1st at Turfontein. Authorities suspended Marcus for a week for this incident and the jockey is yet to decide whether to appeal against the suspension or not.
In a separate case, Marcus was fined a whopping R50,000 for riding the horse Gold on Gold in an "incompetent and unprofessional manner" by relaxing for one stride before the finishing post. The event took place during Race 5 at Turfontein on December 27. R20,000 of the fine could be suspended if the jockey does not commit a similar contravention over the period of the next year. While Marcus initially pleaded guilty, he may still appeal the decision.
Three other jockeys received one week suspensions each for various contraventions.
Apprentice Jockey Victor Morake was suspended from January 5 - 11 for failing to ensure that no interference was caused to El Matador while he was riding Princeship at Turfontein on December 29.
Another apprentice, Devin Ashby failed to keep a straight course parallel to the running rail when riding Quick Millions in Kenilworth last week, while the jockey, Sandile Khathi wielded his crop in an excessive manner while riding Star Castle at Fairview on December 19th.
In all three of these cases, the jockeys did not appeal against their suspensions.
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