A Gauteng racehorse owner, accused of "assaulting" President Jacob Zuma by throwing his drink at him at the Durban July race meeting, appeared in the Durban Magistrate's Court yesterday.

The court appearance by Daryl Peense, of Alberton, south of Johannesburg, was as quick as the alleged assault at the prestigious racing event.

Peense is accused of pouring "ice" or "liquid" on Zuma from the balcony of the box in which he had been sitting.

At the time of the incident, on July 31, Gold Circle Racing chairman Moga Pillay claimed he had been walking with Zuma to a private suite when Peense threw "ice" down at Zuma and it hit him on the shoulder. Pillay said neither he nor Zuma noticed the "attack".

But presidential bodyguards saw something and minutes later arrested Peense.

He appeared in court two days later and was granted R500 bail.

But Peense insisted that his drink accidentally fell on Zuma.

Prosecutor Thulani Mavundla yesterday asked for a postponement for further investigations and said one statement was outstanding.

The magistrate adjourned the hearing to October 8.

Peense reportedly owns horses and works in the advertising industry. - nairn@thetimes.co.za