Craig Zackey was fined and Suspended by the NHA for over use of the crop in the Fillies Mile Gr3 at Turffontein on Summer Cup day. 

Interestingly that win cost Oisin Murphy his first win in South Africa on the well fancied Fiery Pegasus. Zackey was on World Of Alice who got the better of Murphy's mount in the final strides. Has the time come for horses to lose races for overuse of the crop? 

NHA release below. 

INQUIRY – JOCKEY C ZACKEY

The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa confirms that at an Inquiry held in Johannesburg on Thursday, 23 January 2025, Jockey C Zackey was charged with a contravention of Rule 58.10.2 (read with Guideline M in Appendix E on the use of the crop). The particulars being that he misused his crop by striking WORLD OF ALICE more than 12 times (14) in the entire race during Race 6, the Betway Fillies Mile (Grade 3) at Turffontein Racecourse on 30 November 2024.

Jockey Zackey pleaded guilty and was found guilty of the charge.

The Inquiry Board, after considering the mitigating factors presented, the evidence of the patrol films, and the status of the race, imposed a penalty of a suspension from riding in races for a period of fourteen days and a fine of R14 900 (Fourteen Thousand Nine Hundred Rand).

Jockey Zackey was given the Right of Appeal against the penalty imposed.