Top South African jockey S’manga Khumalo has been found guilty on multiple gambling charges, including corruption, bribery, and race-fixing, following a disciplinary inquiry by the National Horseracing Authority (NHA). The ruling was delivered on Monday, 25 May by an appointed Inquiry Board and relates to conduct alleged to have occurred between October 2025 and February 2026.

The case is part of wider investigations into gambling-related corruption in South African horse racing. Khumalo, who won the 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, described as 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 approximately R128,000 (about US$7,800) in payments linked to insider information and conduct connected to betting outcomes.

The most serious charge concerned race-fixing allegations. Investigators claimed that Khumalo failed to ride horses on their merits by allegedly restraining mounts and failing to take reasonable steps to secure the best possible finishing positions. While 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 decision represents an important step toward protecting the sport’s integrity and restoring public confidence. He confirmed that Khumalo pleaded guilty to the first two charges involving confidential race information and payments received from Noor Iqbal.

The Board also concluded that Khumalo intentionally failed to ride certain horses competitively and deviated from riding instructions. Although arguments on sanctions have already been heard, the Inquiry Board reserved its decision on penalties. Proceedings are expected to resume on 29 May, and Khumalo remains under interim suspension.