S'manga Khumalo.
Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Media
THE spotlight has been placed on the horse racing sector after two well-known South African jockeys were recently found guilty on charges related to corruption, race-fixing and their conduct.
In recent months, S’manga Khumalo and Luyolo Mxothwa found themselves before an Inquiry Board appointed by the National Horseracing Authority (NHA) of Southern Africa for breaching its rules.
The NHA is the sole independent regulator of horse racing in South Africa, in terms of the National Gambling Act.
Last month, Khumalo was found guilty on three separate contraventions of NHA rules.
He pleaded guilty to the contravention of the NHA rules relating to corrupt or dishonest practices and/or conduct detrimental to the integrity of racing.
The inquiry board also found him guilty.
According to the findings, between October 2025 and February 2026, Khumalo improperly communicated to Noor Iqbal, an unlawful/unauthorised betting person, non-public information relating to a race and/or a horse, including but not limited to intended riding tactics, stable instructions, horse fitness/soundness, and/or expected performance in circumstances where such communication was intended, reasonably likely or understood to be used for betting purposes and/or to undermine the integrity of racing.
Khumalo also pleaded guilty to contravening the NHA rules relating to corrupt or dishonest practices and/or conduct bringing the sport into disrepute.
According to the findings, between October 2025 and February 2026, Khumalo directly or indirectly requested, agreed to and/or received from Iqbal a sum of money of approximately R128,000.
This was for consideration for furnishing the information described in the first charge and/or riding, or agreeing to ride, in a manner intended to affect the performance of a horse and/or the outcome of a race for betting purposes.
In relation to a third charge, Khumalo pleaded not guilty to contravening the NHA rules relating to conduct affecting a horse's performance or failure to ride on the merits (race-fixing).
However, the inquiry board found him guilty.
According to the findings, between October 2025 and February 2026, Khumalo intentionally and dishonestly failed to ensure that the horse was ridden on its merits and/or acted so as to affect the performance of the horse, and/or the result of the race for an improper purpose.
This was done by restraining the horse; failing to obtain the best possible placing; deviating from instructions without reasonable cause; and/or otherwise riding in a manner inconsistent with a bona fide attempt to achieve the best possible placing.
The inquiry board will hand down its sentence on June 10.
Khumalo’s interim suspension remains in place pending the finalisation of the inquiry.
Luyolo Mxothwa
Image: Wayne Marks
In a separate matter, Mxothwa’s jockey licence was cancelled with immediate effect on March 23, 2026.
He was precluded from applying for, renewing, holding, or being issued any jockey licence for a period of five years, of which three years are suspended on specific conditions as set out in the sanction handed down by the inquiry board.
He was found guilty of allegations related to communications and financial dealings linked to race activity; exchange-betting and related conduct; and actions inconsistent with the integrity of horse racing and the obligations of a licensed jockey.
Michael Shackleton, the NHA’s legal executive, said the authority treated with the utmost seriousness, any allegation relating to corruption, race-fixing, improper influence, or conduct prejudicial to the integrity of horse racing.
Shackleton said the NHA received and dealt with a range of regulatory matters.
He said this included alleged breaches of the rules of racing, riding-related infringements, conduct prejudicial to the integrity of racing, ownership or licensing-related issues, prohibited substance matters, and other compliance-related reports.
Shackleton said such allegations impacted the legitimacy and confidence of the horse racing industry.
“Any conduct that undermines the integrity of horse racing or public confidence in the sport is serious. Alleged conduct of this nature has the potential to undermine confidence in the racing product, affect both local and international stakeholders, and place the sustainability of the sport at risk.
“In addition, the industry supports approximately 16,000 direct jobs and up to 65,000 indirect jobs. Confidence in the sport is therefore critical to its continued sustainability,” he said.
Shackleton said the NHA ensures compliance through its licensing framework, the work of its stipendiary stewards, investigations, inquiries, disciplinary processes, monitoring of race meetings, veterinary and laboratory controls, and the ongoing review and enforcement of the rules of racing.
“The NHA also operates within an international racing framework. It is a full member of the Asian Racing Federation, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, and is a signatory to the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering.
“These affiliations support the NHA’s commitment to recognised international standards of racing integrity, regulation and governance. Where breaches are established, appropriate sanctions may be imposed in accordance with the rules and applicable disciplinary processes,” he said.