An independent panel consisting of Messrs R S Napier, G Soma and K Miedema was convened on 11 February 2022 via Zoom to consider a Merit Rating Appeal lodged by Trainer Mr Justin Snaith against ONE WAY TRAFFIC’s published adjusted merit rating of 104 following his 4th placed finish in the New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers (Grade 2) over 2800m at Kenilworth Racecourse on 29 January 2022.
The Appeal Panel was of the opinion that although ONE WAY TRAFFIC’S published adjusted merit rating was based on its unofficial rating that it achieved in the Okapi Chairman’s Cup (Grade 3) over 2500m at Kenilworth Racecourse on 8 January 2022, this rating was correct as this performance had been replicated in the New Turf Carriers Western Cape Stayers (Grade 2) and there is no Rule that precludes the Handicappers from using this application. The line horse that was used by the Handicappers was not in dispute by Mr Snaith.
Consequently, the Appeal was dismissed and the deposit refunded.