World Sports Betting International Jockey Challenge

PHUMELELA MEDIA RELEASE
SUBJECT: International Jockey Challenge team announcement
DATE: Wednesday 25 September 2019
RELEASED BY: Phumelela Gaming

Muzi Yeni will lead the South African team at this year’s World Sports Betting International Jockey Challenge supported by Sun International and Air Mauritius, at Turffontein on Saturday 16 November.
At the official launch of this year’s event at Turffontein on Wednesday, Larry Wainstein, CEO of the Racing Association, said the event will return to South Africa after having been staged in Singapore last year. “They promised we could have it back this year and we’re delighted to host it again.”
The South African team is made up of the top four finishers on last season’s log, and two wild cards. Unfortunately, Lyle Hewitson is unavailable as he is contracted to ride in Hong Kong, Richard Fourie declined the invitation due to other commitments, and Anton Marcus, although very eager to represent his country, could only confirm his participation closer to the event.
The four who do qualify for the International Jockeys’ Challenge are Yeni, Gavin Lerena, Greg Cheyne and Warren Kennedy. The wild cards have been given to Callan Murray and S’manga Khumalo.
Five of the six members of the international team were announced, and they are Rab Havlin (Scotland), Paul Hanagan, Martin Dwyer and Hayley Turner from England and Italy’s Andrea Atzeni.
The final team member will be announced in due course.
Commenting on their involvement, Ryno du Plessis, National Marketing Manager for World Sports Betting, said that while many people came to watch the international jockeys, he is “excited to see our local guys in action”.
“Our jockeys are world class and it’s an opportunity to give them a platform to show their talents.”
Rob Dalton, Gaming Relationship Manager at Sun International, said they are the “lifestyle partners” of the event and will be the providers of accommodation for the jockeys, which includes a stay at Sun City.
“If somebody is a professional, they want a good room, a good breakfast and that leaves them to focus on the job they need to do,” said Dalton.
Wainstein also thanked Air Mauritius. “They have been our flying partner for the past four or five years and they have come on board again this year.”
Jockeys will be drawn for these races at an event held after final declarations. They will also race in their country’s team colours and not the owners' colours.
Another great event to be hosted on the day is the Monaco Million Maiden Sprint, which is sponsored by Prince Albert of Monaco together with a few business associates.
The race, run over 1160m, will carry prize money of R1-million, half of which will be paid out to the connections of the winning horse.
It also transpires the daughter of Bruce Grobbelaar works for one of the business associates and the former Zimbabwe and Liverpool goalkeeper will be a special guest at Turffontein on the day.

Anyone who doesn't think is a good lineup is mad. All fantastic jockeys. Credit to the organisers for securing them. Who cares what they throw a leg over. The horses in the Shergar Cup don't tend to be world-beaters either.

Rab Havlin - having arguably the season of his life, firing them home for John Gosden and throws a leg over some of the best stock every single day. Also seems a really likeable guy so that helps too.

Paul Hanagan - Class jockey, two-time UK champion, champion apprentice, once retained by Sheik Hamdan. Multiple Gr 1 winner. Associations with Mayson, Taghrooda, Mukhadram and now stallion sensation Muhaarar.

Martin Dwyer - Won the Derby on Sir Percy! Also rode an Oaks winner.

Hayley Turner - History maker, Royal Ascot winner. Top rider engaged by some top yards (Michael Bell being one of them).

Andrea Atzeni - Main rider for biggest yard in Newmarket. Retained by a top owner. Multiple Gr 1 winner. Classic winning rider. Associated with the likes of Decorated Knight, Belardo, Postponed and Defoe.

Will be interesting to see who takes the final slot. Japan Cup not until the week after. Depends who wants a busmans holiday after Breeder's Cup. A return for Pat Cosgrave? Bear in mind he's also had a great 12 months and ridden some nice winners for Godolphin and is pals with Turner.

Now the challenge is to get bums in seats. Very embarrassing to have this lot riding for loads of bussed in school kids and rent a crowds. Get the punters excited about this. Offer incentives to get to the course. The people at Equinity won't have a clue who this lot are. They can't even get the imagery right (horses in images aren't thoroughbreds etc) so heaven knows how they'll explain the significance of a Derby winning jockey riding in SA.

"A" team would include Dettori, Buick, de Sousa, Moore !!!!!!!

Looks like my message deleted!

PHUMELELA MEDIA RELEASE
SUBJECT: Franny Norton included in International Team for 2019 International Jockey Challenge
DATE: Monday 28 October 2019
RELEASED BY: Phumelela Gaming


British rider Franny Norton has been included in the International Team for the 2019 World Sports Betting International Jockey Challenge supported by Sun International and Air Mauritius, at Turffontein on Saturday 16 November.
His inclusion comes after the withdrawal of Nooresh Juglall.
Norton (49) was born in Belle Vale on the outskirts of Liverpool. No one in his family was into horseracing but he was tiny and after the constant refrain of ‘you’d make a good jockey’ he decided to give it ago.
An avid boxer in his youth, Norton was also picked to join the England boxing camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games. He also has a black belt in Judo.
But a call from leading trainer Mick Channon, offering the young Norton a ride at Sandown the next day, was enough to convince him that his future was on the track, not in the ring.
In 2011 he broke through the 1,000 British career victories barrier.
Last year Norton rode 112 winners, his best ever score in a single year.
He is married to Rachel with three children and is a massive fan of Liverpool Football Club.
The other members of the International Team are Rab Havlin (Scotland), Paul Hanagan, Martin Dwyer and Hayley Turner from England and Italy’s Andrea Atzeni.