History-making jockey S'manga Khumalo has been handed a 10-year ban from the sport after being found guilty of race-fixing offences. The 40-year-old, who overcame a tough upbringing in one of South Africa's most dangerous townships, was convicted by the National Horseracing Authority's Inquiry Board.
Background and achievements
Khumalo grew up in KwaMashu in Durban, an area once dubbed the country's murder capital. He had no connection with horses until a talent scout from South Africa's jockey academy approached him while at school. After graduating, he climbed the ranks to ride more than 2,300 winners, including 22 victories at Group 1 level. He became South Africa's first black champion jockey and the first black jockey to claim victory in the Durban July, the continent's most prestigious race, riding Heavy Metal in 2013. He also represented his country in Britain at the 2014 Shergar Cup at Ascot.
Charges and conviction
Khumalo was stood down in March 2026, accused of corruption offences. He faced three charges:
- Pleading guilty to improperly passing inside information to an unauthorised individual named Noor Iqbal, which could be exploited for betting purposes.
- Admitting receiving more than £5,000 from Iqbal in exchange for the information 'and/or riding, or agreeing to ride, in a manner intended to affect the performance of a horse and/or the outcome of a race for betting purposes'.
- A third charge claimed Khumalo had 'dishonestly and intentionally' failed to ensure that his horse ran on its merits by restraining, failing to obtain the best possible placing or deviating from instructions, related to races between October 2025 and February 2026.
Khumalo entered a not guilty plea to the third charge but was convicted by the Inquiry Board, which deferred the sentencing decision for additional deliberation.
Ban and appeal
On Wednesday, the board revealed the revocation of Khumalo's licence with immediate effect. The announcement 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. Mr Khumalo has the right of appeal.'
Khumalo, known for his flamboyant character and nickname 'Bling' for his peroxide hair, crystal stud earrings and horseshoe-tattooed hand, now faces a lengthy spell away from the sport.
