FRANCIS SEMELA bombed out

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an inquiry which was held at its offices in Johannesburg on Friday 8 March 2019, Mr Francis Semela was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.34 in that whilst riding KINDAVAR, in Race 2 run at the Vaal Racecourse on 28 February 2019, his actions prevented this filly from winning or being placed in this race and did not allow her to run to the best of her ability or on merit.

Mr Semela pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge.

When assessing a suitable penalty, the Inquiry Board viewed Mr Semela’s ride in a very serious light and could not condone a ride of such a nature.

At no point in the race did Mr Semela position KINDAVAR in a position to win or be placed. During the race, Mr Semela sought cover and to position KINDAVAR behind other horses from the start.

He clipped the heels of another runner at the 500m when seeking cover and then, again, at the 200m he ran in behind horses, all the while when there was clear running available on his inside.

KINDAVAR was only provided with clear running at the 180m and even then the determination and vigour of Mr Semela’s ride was questionable. Mr Semela also admitted to clearly ignoring the instructions given to him by the connections of the horse which were to allow the filly to stride out naturally and not be restrained.

Mr Semela elected not to divulge any reasons explaining his ride, other than his poor judgment in this particular ride.

Furthermore, when looking at Mr Semela’s record, it was noted that he was found guilty of a similar offence in 2017, in that he failed to ensure that the horse was given a full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible placing.

Taking all the above into consideration, the Inquiry Board felt that the strongest possible sanction was required and imposed the penalty that Mr Semela’s workrider privilege be disqualified.

Mr Semela has the right of appeal against the penalty imposed.

Tabnews

Sad, would like to watch video before making comment.

Not sure if this is a message for the pro jocks as i am sure we have plenty other examples.

He also pleaded guilty so there must be more to it.We need strict control.

We do need strict control!

Just Worried that this wouldn`t have happened to a leading pro jock..

There`s jocks being investigated now from before this date, yet a Work Rider loses his licence quick lightning!

Not saying he shouldn`t have, just think they wouldn`t do it to a " Big name"

Replay ( watch the runner from gate 4)

....one would have thought he would have cleaned up his act after the Tapanzee debacle leading to a suspension.....this was one strike to many.....good riddance....:oops:

Tapenze done the same thing to top jocks( not defending him)

......yes and that is why I bumped the thread.....but he pleaded guilty to that charge instead of trying to defend himself and got a 90 day ban......where there is smoke there must have been a fire.....what fool takes a ban from earning money if he has not been compensated up front......:huh:

Hearing, after seeing the replay his defenders, decided there was nothing they could say

......shades of what he did on Tapanzee too......you dont have to "pull" a horse by holding it back.....you instead give it more reign so it looks like the horse is out of control so one is not actually "steering" and allow it to move off a straight course or bob and weave......very dangerous imo.....:huh:

i would change three things

1.Cancel all Stand Alone work rider meetings. add those races lost to existing race meetings but always the 1st race. this will automatically ensure they don't form part of any of the exotics.
2. make them non betting races like the barrier trials.
3.restrict the size of the fields to no more than 10 horses

give these guys a chance take away the pitfalls that can impact the success of the work riders program

......Sly that would be grossly unfair.....a bad apple and all work riders must suffer.....and who says that all other non work riders have in even big races done some scary shIt....time the NHRA takes any of this type of behavior to task and starts initially with a small ban and warning then like Semela you're out......:huh: