INQUIRY – TRAINER M F DE KOCK

The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held in Johannesburg on 11 October 2021, Trainer Mr M F de Kock was charged with a contravention of Rule 73.2.4 in that he was the trainer of the horse:

1. QUEEN SUPREME, from which a specimen taken after it had participated in and finished second in the 8th race at Turffontein Racecourse on 28 November 2020, disclosed upon analysis the presence of caffeine which is a prohibited substance in terms of the Rules of the NHA.

2. QUEEN SUPREME, from which a specimen taken after it had participated in and won the 7th race at Turffontein Racecourse on 12 December 2020, disclosed upon analysis the presence of caffeine which is a prohibited substance in terms of the Rules of the NHA.

Trainer de Kock pleaded guilty to a contravention of Rule 73.2.4 on the sole basis that in terms of Rule 76.8 it is not a defence for a trainer to prove that he was unaware of the administration of a prohibited substance to a horse. Rule 76.8 thus imposes strict liability on trainers if their racehorses test positive for the presence of a prohibited substance. Strict liability means that a trainer can be found guilty of contravening Rule 73.2.4 even if the trainer did not participate in, or have knowledge of, the administration of a prohibited substance to a racehorse. Trainer de Kock did not have any knowledge of, nor did he participate in, the administration of caffeine to QUEEN SUPREME.

For the purposes of penalty, the Inquiry Board treated both contraventions as one due to the close proximity of the two races (14 days) and given that it was the same horse. In terms of Rule 72.3.2, QUEEN SUPREME is disqualified from the respective races. The provisions of Rule 67.7.8 regarding the procedure for stake money applies and the stake cheques are to be refunded for distribution. Trainer de Kock is to pay a fine of R34 000.00.

This is rather heavy

So the second placed stake money and the winning stake money has to be returned and given to the promoted horses owners, which must be substantial.

In addition the fine of R34k has to be paid.

So I gather the amendments will also be shown in the form publications, but sorry guys the Punting side remains as the all clear after the race.

No wonder it’s difficult keeping owners in the game, I am aware the owners weathly but they have also just suffered after sending their star overseas.

Not an easy game 🏇🏻😪

I see this is Nov/Dec 2020 ?

Did I miss something in the last year or has this been an ongoing investigation?

No idea how the owners feel but can you imagine if the MOD ladies were as angry as a normal owner that has probably blown the money last year ? and said “ to hell with this game, I am no longer funding 4Racing” I also want my money back refund.

Rules are rules. Full stop.


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Mac wrote:

Rules are rules. Full stop.


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Hi Mac don’t dispute that.

What were the facts ?
Did MDK and his owners take Queen Supreme to the clubhouse and give her one too many cappuccinos?, did it come via contaminated food?
When an owner gets a stake cheque there are various line items deducted.
Owner, trainer, jockey and groom.
In this case do they ALL pay back the stake or only the trainer and owner?

Was Queen Supreme the ONLY horse found with espresso?

“For the purposes of penalty, the Inquiry Board treated both contraventions as one due to the close proximity of the two races (14 days) and given that it was the same horse.”

What BS is this about CLOSE PROXIMITY? Both contraventions should be treated as ONE ONLY IF the sample taken 14 days later depict caffeine concentration levels materially lower that the first sample and it’s INCONCLUSIVE whether caffeine was administered on more than one occasion. The concentrations levels should be the determining factor to treat both as one not the 14 day interval!

MdK and his legal were on their high horses firing bullets to all and sundry, on various media platforms, at the NHA during this inquiry. I remember the vey public personal attacks on the Chair, CEO and RCE of the NHA by MDK, his legal and his new-found Christmassy buddies who also want the NHA to look the other way when rules are transgressed and they are in the spotlight.

Fortunately, the owners of QS are a charitable lot and paying back the money is not a problem. Unfortunately for owners, the form books will be amended to reflect the trainers actions or lack thereof that resulted in this transgression.

MdK has been all over the show over the past few years attacking all and sundry in the industry including the ex-RA directors, NHA directors, ex-Phumelela directors and management, punters, keyboard warriors et al. He has spent more time on RA matters, RTT matters, Phumelela matters and 4Q Racing matters than on his paying job as a trainer. Maybe it’s time for him to focus on what he is good at and stop fighting with all and sundry in the industry.

Well said Saint T. MdK been way off target with many of his fancied horses lately.

Was this case not the straw that broke the camels 🐪 back?

And saw the Rise of SANTA ?