Andrew Fortune’s appearances before the NHA’s Inquiry Board in Port Elizabeth on October 2 and 9 have proved expensive.

The former champion was charged with a contravention of Rule 72.1.8 in that he “swore at or interfered with” an official at Fairview on September 7 after the running of race three which he won on the Justin Snaith-trained Weekend Temper.

Despite pleading not guilty, Fortune was found guilty as charged and fined R1 000 although this was suspended for six months.

However he was then charged with conducting himself “in an improper, disrespectful and abusive manner” during the inquiry. For this he was fined R5 000! No suspension of the fine either.

By Michael Clower

Picture: Andrew Fortune