S'manga Khumalo, a history-making jockey who became South Africa's first black champion jockey, has been banned from the sport for 10 years after being found guilty of race-fixing.
Background of the Jockey
Khumalo overcame a difficult childhood in KwaMashu, one of South Africa's most violent townships, to rise to the top of horse racing. He was the first black jockey to win the Durban July, Africa's biggest horse race, and represented his country in the 2014 Shergar Cup at Ascot in Britain. Over his career, he rode more than 2,300 winners, including 22 Group 1 victories.
Charges and Verdict
The 40-year-old was stood down in March 2026 by the National Horseracing Authority on corruption charges. He pleaded guilty to improperly communicating inside information to an unauthorised individual, Noor Iqbal, for betting purposes. He also admitted receiving over £5,000 from Iqbal in return for information or riding to affect race outcomes. A third charge, to which he pleaded not guilty, alleged he dishonestly failed to ensure his horse ran on its merits in races between October 2025 and February 2026. He was found guilty by the Inquiry Board.
The Ban
On Wednesday, the board announced the cancellation of Khumalo's licence with immediate effect. The statement said: 'Mr Khumalo is precluded from applying for, renewing, holding, or being issued any jockey licence for a period of fifteen (15) years, commencing 23 March 2026, of which five (5) years are suspended for 15 years.' He has the right to appeal.
