Top South African jockey, Gavin Lerena, is now at the center of an inquiry after an incident that occurred during a race at Turffontein on Sunday.
The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) confirmed that there would be no option for an admission of guilt (AOG) in this case, meaning Lerena will have to face the inquiry without the possibility of a plea bargain.
The Incident at Turffontein
The incident took place during the second race of the day when Lerena, riding the horse Gimme A Storm, stood up in the irons around the 150-meter mark and struck his fellow jockey, Jason Gates, who was riding Blurred Vision.
Lerena hit Gates multiple times on the back with his crop as the two horses raced closely together down the home straight.
The NHA official confirmed the inquiry will investigate the incident thoroughly.
Lerena’s Impressive Form This Season
Despite the controversy, Lerena has been in exceptional form this season.
He recently secured two wins, including a victory in the prestigious Maine Chance Farms Grade 1 Majorca Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Cape Town Met day.
He is currently in a three-way battle at the top of the national jockey standings, alongside Craig Zackey and reigning South African champion, Richard Fourie.
Any suspension would likely affect his chances of claiming the title of champion jockey for the season.
An Apology From Lerena
After the incident, Lerena took to social media to issue an apology.
He expressed his regret over the incident, stating that it was completely out of character for him.
Lerena explained that his reaction was in response to actions from his colleague, Jason Gates, and that in the heat of the moment, his instinctual response led to the inappropriate actions.
In his statement, Lerena said: “I feel it is imperative to offer a formal statement to the racing community.
What took place is entirely inconsistent with my character, and I deeply regret the incident.
I extend my sincerest apologies to the owners and trainer of the horse, my sponsors, the racing fans, and the relevant race day authorities affected.”
He further clarified that his actions were driven by what he perceived as provocation, adding, “In any competitive sport, the instinctual response to a perceived threat, provocation, or aggression can lead to a reaction that, under normal circumstances, we would not exhibit.”
Lerena continued, “I acknowledge that my response has raised views and opinions.
I aim to uphold the values that make racing truly exceptional, and regrettably, today’s incident detracted from that commitment.”
The Reaction and the Next Steps
Despite the controversy, the race commentator did not mention the incident during the race broadcast.
The NHA will now proceed with the inquiry to determine what actions, if any, will be taken against Lerena.
What kind of punishment do you think Lerena should face for this incident? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment or reaching out through email or WhatsApp.
The Future of Lerena’s Career
With the inquiry hanging over him, Lerena’s career could face some turbulence.
His apology indicates his commitment to the sport and his recognition of the incident’s negative impact.
As he continues to battle for the championship title, it will be interesting to see how the inquiry plays out and what consequences, if any, Lerena will face.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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