TRAINER Stuart Pettigrew’s appeal against the merit rating of 109 allocated to 2004 Summer Cup winner, Tyson, after he finished fourth in the recent J&B Met, has been upheld. Tyson’s merit rating has reverted to 107. 

The Appeal Panel, after reviewing the race, the manner and false pace at which it was run, particularly the pace over the first 600m and the last 600m and the time of this race, felt that the race was a very difficult race to rate. The pace clearly did not suit certain runners but was beneficial to others. 

Given that there was only an appeal lodged on behalf of Tyson, the Appeal Panel was of the opinion that it would be unfair to look at Tyson’s rating in isolation. The panel therefore decided that the status quo, vis-à-vis the rating of all runners, going into this race be maintained, with the exception of the winner Alastor, whose merit rating would be increased from 102 to 105.

Pettigrew told mikedekockracing.com:  ”I am happy to have won this appeal. I believe that trainers should be vigilant in ensuring that the merit rating system is applied correctly. It can only be to the benefit of the industry.’’