NHA CEO Vee Moodley
In a media release published on Friday, we have been advised that the National Horseracing Authority has sent correspondence to the three Racing Operators; 4Racing, Gold Circle and Cape Racing, concerning their decision to refund totalisator bets that were wagered on She’s A Klawer after the filly was declared a runner in Race 1 of the Vaal meeting of 21 September 2023.
The National Horseracing Authority confirmed in their letter that it requires clarity on the comment in the 4Racing release “but in light of the circumstances”.
They asked what “circumstances” were being alluded to and on what basis was the decision formed to refund all monies wagered on the runner?
Gold Circle’s press release used the term “non-runner” when SHE’S A KLAWER was declared to be a runner by the Stewards acting in terms of the Rules.
Further to this, they were requested to elaborate from an operating systems perspective as to how these refunds were processed.
Did the refunds have an impact on the total pool or was this refunded amount a direct expense to the Operators?
The Operators were advised that they are obliged to comply with the Rules and Constitution of the NHA as per the provisions of Rule 44.
This public announcement can be perceived as undermining the Rules and associated powers of the authority of the NHA.
A unilateral decision of this nature has the potential to have serious national repercussions from the NHA and the Provincial Licensing Authorities’ (PLA’s) perspectives.
The National Horseracing Authority is also seriously concerned at the wide dangerous precedent that this decision would have set, including that it is accepted that South Africa is a part of the World Pool commingling operation under the auspices of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and other commingling partners.
In terms of Rule 44, after the Operators have responded, this matter shall be forwarded to the National Board of the NHA for further consideration.
