RACE COAST MATCHEM STAKES (Grade 3) 

QUESTIONING’s rating has increased from 122 to 123 after his impressive performance, running on from the back of the field to easily defend his title in the Grade 3 Race Coast Matchem Stakes over 1400m at Hollywoodbets Durbanville on Saturday. The Handicappers determined that OUTLAW KING, who finished third, was the most suitable line horse for assessing the race, resulting in his rating remaining unchanged at 112. 


On Monday, 22 September 2025 at Hollywoodbets Durbanville in Race 5, a dead heat was called between the two declared winners, SAUDI CAT (ARG) and WHAT A FORTUNE. The National Horseracing Authority (“NHA”) has received numerous enquiries on this particular race, and in the interests of transparency, wishes to share with the public the decision-making process behind declaring the dead heat. 


The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms a Prohibited Substance finding. 

The presence of Furosemide, a loop diuretic classified as a Class 4 prohibited substance, was disclosed upon analysis of a specimen taken from INFINITY EDGE after the running of Race 1 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse on 14 June 2025.  


The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (NHA) confirms a reported Banned Substance finding. 

The presence of Furosemide was detected, upon analysis, of a urine sample taken from Jockey C Bantam when he presented himself to take part in races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 15 July 2025. 


QUANTUM THEORY has earned a revised merit rating of 113, up from his pre-race rating of 111, following his victory in the Listed Betway Spring Spree Stakes over 1200m at the Vaal Classic Track on Saturday. The Handicappers opted to use NIGHT BOMBER, who finished third, as the line horse, leaving his rating unchanged on 96. 


MEMORIAL MILE (Listed) 

ZINOVI had his official merit rating raised from 114 to 116 following his victory in the Listed Memorial Mile over 1600m at Fairview racecourse on Friday. 

The Handicappers used FIREALLEY, who finished fourth, as the line horse to assess this race, leaving him unchanged on 109. 

MR FOX was the only other runner to receive an increase, going up from 92 to 96. This adjustment ensure that he is rated higher than ROYALS, whom he beat here. 


The National Horseracing Authority of Southern Africa (the NHA) confirms reported Prohibited Substance findings from Out-of-competition Specimen Collection. 

  1. The presence of Flunixin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) classified as a Class 4 prohibited substance, was disclosed upon analysis of a specimen taken from RED SEA HILLS at the Vaal Racecourse Training Centre on 12 June 2025.  The Trainer responsible, Mr J H Borman, elected to sign an Admission of Guilt for a contravention of Rules 73.2.7 and 10.5.14, and a fine for an amount of R18 000 was imposed.