The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms that an independent Merit Rating Appeal panel consisting of Messrs G Soma, K Miedema and J Vermaak met virtually on 18 February 2025.
The panel considered a Merit Rating Appeal lodged by trainer Alec Laird against the published adjusted merit rating of winner PARISIAN WALKWAY (an increase of 20 points) and third-placed ARISTOTLE (an increase of 19 points) following Race 7, the TAB Gauteng Guineas at Turffontein Racecourse on 1 February 2025.
The Merit Rating Appeal Panel is tasked with evaluating whether the handicapper has acted reasonably in selecting the line horse when deciding a horse’s merit rating.
If the panel finds the choice to be unjustified, it may recommend an adjustment to ensure fairness and consistency within the handicapping system.
In this matter, the Merit Rating Appeal Panel believed sixth-placed BACCHUS, which was the line horse selected by the Handicappers to assess this race, to be the most appropriate choice.
Consequently, the Merit Rating Appeal was dismissed, and the published adjusted merit ratings of PARISIAN WALKWAY and ARISTOTLE remain unaltered.
The Appeal Panel decided that the deposit fee in relation to the Appeal be refunded.
- Media release by the NHA on Tuesday 18 February 2025.
