An Appeal was lodged by Mr. Mike de Kock on behalf of the connections of Atlantic Oak and Empenoso Henn against the Merit Ratings implemented subsequent to Race 5 run on 25 October 2011.
An independent panel consisting of Messrs M Lips, R Napier and M Wanklin was convened to hear this appeal on 03 November 2011 by teleconference.
The Panel unanimously agreed that Atlantic Oak used by the handicappers, was the appropriate line horse.
As a result, the Panel agreed that the Merit Ratings of both Empenoso Henn and Atlantic Oak were correct and therefore overruled the appeal.
The deposit fee will be refunded.