What happens if I don't ride my horse out to the finish or give it every chance?

Question

Accepted Answer

Rule 62.2 of the NHA Rules of Racing requires you to take all reasonable and permissible measures to give your horse a full opportunity to win or get its best possible placing, ride in a competent and professional manner, ride out to the end of the race where circumstances permit, ride to the instructions you are given, and keep hold of your crop where possible.

Penalty guidelines (May 2026):

Offence	Guideline penalty
Not giving a full opportunity to win or place	Minimum 90 days, escalating to 120 days, 180 days and 1 year
Not riding out to the end, horse unplaced	Fine R1 000 to R2 500
Not riding out, cost 1st place	30 to 180 days
Not riding out, cost 2nd place	21 to 45 days
Not riding out, cost 3rd place	14 to 30 days
Not riding out, cost 4th place	7 to 14 days
Not riding out, cost 5th or lower	Fine equal to the place stake
Failing to ride to instructions	R2 000
Minor offence, e.g. dropping the crop or reins	R250

Only the owner (or authorised agent) can complain that you did not ride to instructions, in writing with a R500 deposit (Rule 62.7).