The National Horseracing Authority of South Africa (NHA) is proud to announce that it will host the annual Asian Racing Federation (ARF) Handicappers Conference from 22 to 25 July 2025 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 

This international gathering brings together the Chief Handicappers from ARF member countries - Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates - to assess and agree on ratings for the top-performing thoroughbred racehorses across the southern hemisphere racing season. 

Background on the ARF Handicappers Conference 

The ARF Handicappers Conference was established in August 2009 following changes to the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, which have served as the official global assessment of elite racehorses since 2004. Originally published twice a year, the Rankings shifted to a single annual edition in January 2009, prompting the ARF to create its own conference to ensure southern hemisphere horses were fairly and consistently evaluated. 

Conference Objectives 

Each July, the ARF Handicappers Committee convenes to: 

• Agree on ratings for all horses trained or raced in ARF member countries that achieved an international rating of 112 or higher. 

• Evaluate horses that placed in the top four of Group/Grade 1 races, even if they did not meet the 112-rating threshold. 

• Provide data used by the Asian Pattern Committee and National Pattern Committees to assess race quality, determine grading adjustments, and consider new race inclusions. 

At the 2024 Conference in Sydney, the committee reviewed and rated 373 horses, underscoring the scale and importance of this annual event. 

A Showcase of South African Racing 

The 2025 Conference will culminate on Friday, 25 July, followed by a visit to the Champions Cup race meeting at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Sunday, 27 July. Hosted by Race Coast KZN, this eventwilloffer International Handicappers a firsthand look at South Africa’s premier racehorses and racing talent. 

In addition to the showcase, the ARF Handicappers will conduct their final rating assessments for South African horses during the Champions Cup meeting. These evaluations will complete the peer review process of South Africa’s final submissions, ensuring that all ratings are agreed upon for the Southern Hemisphere.  

South African Submissions and Rating Process 

As part of the 2025 ARF Handicappers Conference, the South African Handicappers have submitted a total of 37 performances by South African-trained horses that, in their view, achieved an international rating of 112 or higher during the 2024-25 South African racing season. 

In addition, 62 performances by Grade 1 placed finishers that fell below the 112-rating threshold have also been submitted for consideration. These submissions will be reviewed and discussed by the ARF Handicappers Committee to ensure consensus on the final international ratings. 

Below is the Current SA Pattern Summary Table:

The status of the above Pattern is dependent on the international ratings and not the domestic ratings. 

The NHA is honoured to welcome the ARF Handicappers to South Africa and looks forward to a productive and memorable conference that continues to elevate the standards of thoroughbred racing.

Vee Moodley

Chief Executive