An independent panel consisting of Messrs V Moodley, J Vermaak and R S Napier convened on 19 January 2018 by teleconference to hear a MR Appeal lodged by Trainer Johan Janse Van Vuuren on behalf of the horse REGAL GRADUATION against the Merit Rating of 79 allocated after he competed in and won Race 1 at Vaal Racecourse on 16 January 2018. 

The Panel by majority decision decided that the line horse used to assess the race GET YOUR GROVE ON  was the correct horse, but the Panel decided to use the performance of the last start on 30 December 2017, thereby rating the race 5 MR points lower. 

The Panel upheld the Objection and REGAL GRADUATION will now be rated a MR 74. 

The deposit fee will be returned.