An independent panel consisting of Messrs K Miedema, R S Napier and R Smith convened on 14 February 2019 by teleconference.
Atyaab wins the Cape Derby (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
This was to hear a Merit Rating Appeal lodged by Mr Robert Bloomberg on behalf of Messrs Mike De Kock (ATYAAB (AUS)), Brett Crawford, (CHARLES) and Justin Snaith (BUNKER HUNT) against the penalties and subsequent increased Merit Ratings allocated to their respective horses following the running of the G-Bets Cape Derby (Grade 1) at Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday 26 January 2019.
The Appeal Panel was of the opinion that the G-Bets Cape Derby (Grade 1) presented abnormal conditions and to comply with the guideline imposed on the Handicappers to select a line horse that finished in the first five positions, was extremely difficult.
The Appeal Panel after careful deliberation decided that the quality of the entire race had to be considered and as a result upheld the Appeal and amended the Merit Ratings to:
ATYAAB (AUS) – 105 previously (109)
CHARLES – 104 previously (108)
HERODOTUS – 101 previously (105)
BUNKER HUNT 100 previously (104)
The deposit fee will be refunded.
- Press Release published by National Horseracing Authority on 14 February 2019
