A race meeting had to be called off on Wednesday after jockeys protested at the suspension of a leading rider. On Tuesday Grant Van Niekerk was issued with a 21 day riding ban and fined £2,000 for causing interference in a race at Kenilworth on March 15 despite pleading not guilty to the charge.
Before the sentence was set to start he was back in action at Durbanville where he won the second race on Wehaveasituation. In his post-race interview with GallopTV, Van Niekerk took the opportunity to address his riding ban.
“I’m just a little bit saddened about what’s been going on,” he said, adding the victory had given him a chance to “express my feelings”.
“I felt like I did nothing wrong in that race. I just think it’s a waste of time being a jockey in South Africa to be honest.
“With all the fines happening we are wasting our time here. Obviously I don’t want to get too emotional about it. It’s favouritism that happens. I just hope things change in the near future.”
He said stewards should be “a little bit kinder on us” and continued, “The rules are there for certain reasons, but at the end of day we have families we have to feed, so many people around us.
“With the way they are having us with the fines, it’s unacceptable. In my case I’m as innocent as can be. I want the public to go and look at the race properly.
“There has to be some sort of fairness involved in racing and I just don’t think it’s there. I hope these things change.”
After hearing the comments the National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa’s chief executive Vee Moodley issued a press release announcing Van Niekerk’s suspension.
“In view of these inter alia derogatory comments against the NHA, referencing an Inquiry that was held on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, into his riding of All Out For Six in Race 8 at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on 16 March 2025, the Chief Executive has implemented the provisions of Rule 91.2, effectively that Jockey Grant van Niekerk has been placed under an immediate interim suspension and has been replaced on his remaining rides. An Inquiry has been opened into this matter.”
Jockeys riding at Durbanville immediately protested to officials and when no agreement could be reached, the eight race card was called off after race three.
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