Bingwa blows them away to win the Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile

Bingwa, with Gavin Lerena in the saddle, won the Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile at Turffontein on Saturday for the second year running. Picture: JC Photographics


Johan Janse van Vuuren cemented his reputation as “Mr Charity Mile” as he scored a fantastic 1-2 with Bingwa defending his Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile title and the trainer’s Puerto Manzano also taking second spot.

Bingwa has now won the race two years running, defending the crown he won last year with trainer Dorrie Sham.

"My cheeks are hurting," joked Van Vuuren after the race at Turffontein Racecourse, "because I've now smiled more than I have in the last month”.
"I thought it was a very competitive field this year. Bingwa has been working superbly for the last three weeks. I was very very confident when I got draw one not to necessarily win it, but that I will be very close. Puerto Manzano... well, I knew I had him in a tremendous space. As a matter of fact all my horses on the day were in great condition. We've been focusing on this day for the last three weeks and we've had a cracking day," Janse van Vuuren said after the main race.

Bingwa was pushed to glory by Gavin Lerena, while log-leading Keagan de Melo was second aboard Puerto Manzano.
Mike de Kock's Safe Passage (Grant van Niekerk) and Joe Soma's Red Saxon (S'manga Khumalo) completed the Quartet.

For Germiston-based Epworth Children’s Home, which provides a therapeutic environment for abused and neglected children, Bingwa's victory was extra special. The charity was linked to Bingwa and with the gelding's superb effort, the children's home received the main donation of R100,000 as a beneficiary of this special race. Courtesy of sponsors, Allied Steelrode On A Mission, all 16 participating charities benefited from the race, with all runners - up to the charity linked to the horse in last position receiving a minimum R20 000 - on Johannesburg horseracing’s most meaningful race day.

"Bingwa is a wonderful horse to work with. He came from Dorrie Sham, she did an amazing job with him, but Johan has taken over the reins beautifully. This horse has just kept improving. His first run back was two months ago, and he’s just kept improving in his work,” said Lerena afterwards of Bingwa.

"All accolades must go to Johan. He was confident for this race. He said he was going to run one and two, doesn’t know which way, and it‘s a great training feat to run first and second in this great race. It’s wonderful to give a worthy charity the first prize. It’s not the first time I’ve won this race and it’s very special. I think it’s great for horseracing," Lerena added.

“Mr Charity Mile” Janse Van Vuuren had a day to remember - not just because of his 1-2 in the main event of the day, but also because he saddled two other winners on the day in Southern Skies (Race 2) and Bon Vivant (Race 3).
"This is absolutely amazing," said Roberta Ingrato, who represented Epworth Village at Turffontein.

"We came on board without even really knowing it. We were nominated, so it was really a surprise, but we are truly, truly grateful. It just seemed to happen and it couldn't have come at a better time. With COVID we were blocked off from so many events and fund raising functions with many donors that have dropped off, so to be part of something like this is absolutely amazing. To be spoilt and treated like this is awesome," Ingrato added

Ingrato said it was the first time they have been a beneficiary of the Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile, and it was also her first time at a racecourse – a day she will never forget.

"Today has really been a first time for everything. I even placed a bet on Bingwa, and I'm so chuffed. I couldn't choose to believe that this horse could win for our charity and not support him," Ingrato added.