BETWAY ALGOA CUP (Listed) 

FIREALLEY has seen his rating adjusted to 106 from 101 following his win in the Listed Betway Algoa Cup over 2000m on the Fairview Polytrack on Friday. 

The Handicappers were of the view that fourth placed JOY AND PEACE made for the most suitable line horse in this race, which leaves her rating unchanged on 110. In rating the race this way, the fifth placed finisher BOURNEMOUTH also runs to his mark, effectively making him a line horse as well. 

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) and the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) held a meeting to discuss the availability of African Horse Sickness (AHS) vaccine. The NHA, representing several stakeholders from the equine industry, expressed concerns over the insufficient and irregular production of AHS vaccines over the past four years, which has had a significant impact on the racing industry. It was emphasised that horses should be adequately vaccinated as mandated by legislation and the Rules of the NHA between 1 June and 31 October annually. Vaccination coverage of at least 60% of the equine population, estimated at 300 000, was proposed by the NHA as a target to achieve adequate herd immunity and ensure optimal health and welfare of the broader equine population. 

BETWAY JOBURG SPRING CHALLENGE (Grade 2) 

BACK IN BUSINESS has seen his rating adjusted from 106 to 114 after his win in the Grade 2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m at the Turffontein Inside track on Saturday. BACK IN BUSINESS had to be capped at a rating of 114 despite running to a higher mark due to the specific conditions of the race, which do not allow for an increase of more than 8 points for the winner and not more than 4 points for placed runners. 

The Handicappers were of the view that fourth placed GLADATORIAN made for the best line horse to rate this race, and as such, his rating remained at 120. Two more runners received upward adjustments to their ratings. Second placed, BARBARESCO, who finished 1.20 lengths ahead of the 120 rated line horse, went up to 122 from 120. Third placed, WILD AT WAR, could only be raised 4 points, from 100 to 104 despite achieving a much higher mark. 

BAKER MCVEIGH DIANA STAKES (Grade 3)

GIMMIE’S COUNTESS has had her rating increased from 105 to 111 following her impressive win in the Grade 3 Baker McVeigh Diana Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, 28 September 2024.

The Handicappers unanimously agreed that the ever consistent and third placed, PRINCESS IZZY, made for the most suitable line horse to rate this race, and leaves her rating unchanged on 99. In rating the race this way, fourth placed, GOLD POKER GAME also runs to her mark of 107 effectively making her a line horse as well.

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) hereby provides a further update on the Total Carbon Dioxide (TCO2) analysis conducted on race days.

In furtherance of the protocols and collection procedures referred to in the NHA’s press release of 28 June 2024, the NHA has carried out TCO2 nationwide testing spanning numerous race meetings. Between 29 June 2024 and 29 September 2024, 2 772 TCO2 analyses were administered on 2 482 horses. Of these, 274 horses (11%) tested above 35 mmol/L, as a result of which, was subjected to a second test on the expiry of no less than 10 minutes post the first test, with 16 horses (0.6%) being withdrawn from races due to elevated TCO2 levels, i.e. levels on such second test exceeding 37 mmol/L.

SETTLERS TROPHY (LISTED)

CALL TO UNITE, who was 2 points under sufferance at the weights, has had his rating adjusted to 99 from 92 after easily landing the Listed Settlers Trophy over 2000m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday, 21 September 2024.