MR76 8th race Turffontein

8th race today at Turffontein is a 76 merit rating handicap and is described as such in the nominations. There are 2 horses in this race that are carrying more than 60 kgs and are therefore appear not to be qualified for the race as they exceed the MR set, yet have preference over others who were qualified and which were eliminated.

Anybody able to explain this one.

In races above a certain benchmark (somewhere around 74 or 76, I'm not sure) horses that are rated above the benchmark are allowed to run. This is definitely not so in MR 60s handicaps, but somewhere along the scale this rule changes. Obviously, today's race fell into the bracket where horses rated "too high" can in fact take part.

I have no problem with them taking part Mathew, but why are they qualified ahead of others when their MR exceeds the benchmark. In fact why have a benchmark ?

Not an expert but this sounds like double standards, surely there should be a set rule for all MR Handicaps?

surely they got to give the best horse the run first?

Gajima,

I would definitely contact the NHA, this is clearly wrong; as I understand it, higher MR's only get to race to make up the field and not at the expense of lower MR's. Springbok Summer should have been at the top of the handicap carrying 60 kg's and Royal Terrace and your horse should have got a run.

That being said, not sure that anything can be done about it now, but 'Oops we made a mistake would be a start'?