The Mouseketeer
An Appeal was lodged by Mr Neil Andrews as part-owner of the horse THE MOUSEKETEER against the Merit Rating of 107 implemented subsequent to his win in Race 7 at the Vaal Racecourse on 24 September 2011.
An independent panel consisting of Messrs R Bloomberg, M Lips and G Hawkins was convened to hear this appeal on 11 October by teleconference.
The Panel unanimously agreed that EASTERN COBBLER, which had proven to be consistent over the distance should have been used by the Handicappers as the appropriate line horse.
In view of the above, the Panel agreed that the Merit Rating of THE MOUSEKETEER should be adjusted to a MR 102 on both surfaces.
The deposit fee will be refunded.
Mr Tobin
An Appeal was lodged by Mr Sean Tarry on behalf of the connections of the horse MR TOBIN against the Merit Rating of 92 (Sand rating), on the grounds that MR TOBIN participated in a non-black type race (Race 10 at the Vaal Racecourse on 24 September 2011) and should therefore only get a maximum penalty of 8 merit points (excluding under sufferance) for the win.
An independent panel consisting of Messrs M Lips, R Bloomberg and G Hawkins was convened to hear this appeal on 11 October 2011 by teleconference.
The Panel agreed that in terms of the Rules, the maximum penalty of 8 merit rating points (excluding under sufferance) should have been implemented as this was not a Graded or Listed race.
As a result, the Appeal was upheld and the Panel was unanimous that the merit rating of MR TOBIN should be adjusted to a MR 90 on the Sand, but remains a MR 76 on the Turf.
The deposit fee will be refunded.
Empenoso Henn
An Appeal was lodged by Mr Mike de Kock on behalf of the connections of the horse EMPENOSO HENN against the Merit Rating of 100 imposed on both Sand and Turf subsequent to its run in Race 10 at the Vaal Racecourse on 24 September 2011.
An independent panel consisting of Messrs M Lips, R Bloomberg and G Hawkins was convened to hear this Appeal on 11 October 2011 by teleconference.
Due to the Appeal Panel having adjusted MR TOBIN’s MR to 90 on Sand, EMPENOSO HENN’s rating also had to be adjusted accordingly on this surface. The Panel further agreed that there had to be distinct ratings on both surfaces for EMPENOSO HENN.
As a result, the Appeal Panel was unanimous that the Merit Rating of EMPENOSO HENN should be adjusted to MR 98 on the Sand, but remains a MR 95 on Turf.
The deposit fee will be refunded.
