HORSE RACING
Assessments to be tested at Turffontein and Vaal
Assessment plates will be introduced at Turffontein and Vaal on a trial basis from August to November at the request of Highveld trainers and other industry players nationally, led by trainer Mike de Kock. This follows trainers’ long unhappiness with handicapping of young or lightly raced horses. They have argued for years that handicappers allocate merit ratings that are too high and too early, thereby giving few opportunities for up-and-coming runners to reach their full potential. Senior trainers, in consultation with Phumelela and senior handicapper Roger Smith, have agreed to assessment plates as a possible solution. In effect, the winner of a maiden race within five starts must have two compulsory runs in an assessment plate before a handicap race. Any horse taking more than five starts to win a maiden is not required to run in an assessment plate before a handicap. De Kock commented: "These plate races can only assist handicappers in making more informed decisions in arriving...
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