The National Horseracing Authority confirms that at an Inquiry held at Kenilworth Racecourse on Tuesday, 15 November 2022 Jockey G van Niekerk was charged with a contravention of Rule 62.2.7. The particulars being that, as the rider of SILVER OPERATOR he failed to ensure that he was not a source of interference to RASCALLION leaving the 200m in Race 8, CAPE MILE (Grade 3) run over 1600m at Kenilworth Racecourse on 5 November 2022.


To all Equine Owners, Managers, Veterinarians, and other Stakeholders,

Background:

The National Horseracing Authority has noted that Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Is experiencing a crisis in the supply of the registered African horse sickness (AHS) live attenuated vaccine. Consequently, this has resulted in industry stakeholders such as vets, trainers, owners, and breeders currently having limited access to AHS vaccines.


  • Fillies Mile (Grade 3) 

FOLLOW ME remains unchanged on a rating of 102 following her success in the Grade 3 Fillies Mile for three-year-olds over 1600m on the Turffontein standside track on Saturday 13 November.  It was in fact FOLLOW ME herself who was considered to make for the most suitable line horse, which is the reason for her mark remaining unaltered. 

2nd placed ETERNITY RING and 3rd finisher SPRINKLES both go up to 99, from 97 and 94, respectively.  There were increases also for CLAFOUTIS, who is up from 89 to 92, and for JULIET TANGO, who goes from 84 to 90.  This keeps these two fillies in line with each other should they meet in a handicap. 

There were no ratings drops for any runner in this race.


  • Joburg Spring Challenge (Grade 2) 

MK’S PRIDE remains unchanged on a rating of 120 following his win in the Grade 2 Joburg Spring Challenge over 1450m on the Turffontein inside track on Sunday 3 October.  The race, originally scheduled for the previous day, was postponed by 24 hours owing to inclement weather.  It was MK’S PRIDE himself who was considered to make for the most suitable line horse, hence his unchanged rating. 

The specific conditions of the race do not allow for an increase to the rating of any horse beyond the winner, and so runner-up BINGWA remains on 111 despite running to a mark of 117.  However, there were ratings’ drops for three horses.  CHIJMES is down from 110 to 108, EXPRESSFROMTHEUS drops from 122 to 118, and lastly TIERRA DEL FUEGO was cut from 114 to 110. 


The National Horseracing Authority confirms that it is aware of an incident that took place at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 3 July 2021. 

The incident between Stable Employee and Colour Holder Mr Andrew Fortune and the South African Police Services has resulted in criminal charges being laid against Mr Fortune by the South African Police Services. 


Spook Express Handicap (Listed)

SHE’S A CRACKER has had her merit rating raised from 72 to 77 after she captured the Listed Spook Express Handicap for fillies and mares over 2400m on the standside track at Turffontein on Saturday 10 April. 

It was 3rd placed ILLUMINATE who was considered to make for the best line horse, which leaves her unchanged on a rating of 71.  The winner aside, the only other increase was for runner-up KAY TEE PERRY, who goes from 81 to 84. 

Only one horse was given a rating’s drop, with SMILEY RIVER going down from 70 to 68.


In terms of Chapter 4 of the Constitution of The National Horseracing Authority the Nominations Committee, consisting of past Chairmen Adv. Altus Joubert SC, Mr Andrew O’Connor, Mr Larry Nestadt and Mr Jonathan Witts-Hewinson, has appointed the following candidates to fill the vacant positions on the National Board.  The vacant positions are due to the resignation of Mr Laurence Wernars and Mr Robin Bruss not making himself available to be re-appointed for another term.


The National Horseracing Authority has pleasure in confirming the composition of its Stipendiary Board that will be on duty at the Cape Town Met Race meeting at Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, 30 January 2021.


Michael Roberts Handicap (Listed)

NEWS STREAM has had his rating raised from 90 to 96 following his success in the Listed Michael Roberts Handicap over 1750m on the Scottsville inner course on Sunday 17 January.  Some of this adjustment is due to the fact that NEWS STREAM was 3 pounds or 1.5 kgs under sufferance at the weights.