South African jockey found guilty of betting-related race-fixing charges
Investigators accused Khumalo of failing to ride horses on their merits.
South Africa.- Top South African jockey S’manga Khumalo has been found guilty on multiple betting-related charges, including corruption, bribery and race-fixing, following a disciplinary inquiry by the National Horseracing Authority (NHA).
The ruling, delivered on Monday, May 25, by an appointed Inquiry Board, relates to conduct alleged to have taken place between October 2025 and February 2026. The case forms part of wider investigations into gambling-related corruption in South African horse racing.
Khumalo, who won the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July in 2022 and is a two-time champion of the race, admitted to sharing confidential racing information with a man named Noor Iqbal, an alleged betting associate. The information reportedly included race tactics and horse performance details that could influence betting markets.
He also pleaded guilty to receiving around R128,000 (US$7.8k) in payments linked to insider information and conduct connected to betting outcomes.
The most serious charge related to race-fixing allegations. Investigators accused Khumalo of failing to ride horses on their merits by allegedly restraining mounts and failing to take reasonable steps to secure the best possible finishing positions during races.
Although Khumalo denied the race-fixing charge, the Inquiry Board found him guilty after reviewing evidence presented during the hearings.
NHA legal executive Michael Shackleton said the findings represented a significant step in efforts to protect the integrity of the sport and restore confidence in racing. He confirmed that Khumalo had pleaded guilty to the first two charges involving confidential race information and payments received from Noor Iqbal.
Shackleton added that the Board concluded Khumalo had intentionally failed to ride certain horses competitively and had deviated from riding instructions.
Arguments on sanctions have already been heard, but the Board has reserved its decision on penalties. Proceedings are expected to resume on May 29, while Khumalo remains under interim suspension.
