South African horse racing rocked as the champion jockey was found guilty in corruption scandal
South African horse racing has been plunged into turmoil following a major corruption scandal involving one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.
Champion jockey S’manga Khumalo has been found guilty on all three charges relating to corruption, bribery and race-fixing after an inquiry into his conduct sent shockwaves through the racing fraternity.
The KwaMashu-born rider, who built a reputation as one of the country’s finest jockeys and won the prestigious Durban July twice, now finds himself at the centre of one of the sport’s biggest integrity scandals.
According to an IOL report, the inquiry was conducted by an appointed Inquiry Board under the National Horseracing Authority (NHA), and found Khumalo guilty of serious breaches of racing regulations.
The first charge centred around Khumalo allegedly sharing confidential race information between October 2025 and February 2026 with Noor Iqbal, who was allegedly linked to unlawful betting activities.
The information reportedly included race tactics and horse performance details that were not available to the public and could be used for wagering purposes. Khumalo pleaded guilty.
He was also found guilty of receiving approximately R128 000 linked to the insider information and arrangements intended to influence betting outcomes. Khumalo again admitted guilt.
The most damaging charge involved allegations of race-fixing. Khumalo denied intentionally failing to ride horses on merit by restraining them or influencing results.
However, the Inquiry Board ultimately ruled against him. Arguments regarding sanctions are still underway, with sentencing proceedings expected to resume on 29 May 2026.
Khumalo remains under interim suspension pending the final outcome of the inquiry.
