The gate charge for Summer Cup day.

There will be a gate charge of R50 for the Steinhoff Summer Cup-International Jockeys' Challenge race meeting at Turffontein on November 29.

However, Racing Association members will gain free entry to the racecourse if they wear their membership badges. A jacket and tie dress code will be enforced in the Elevation Room.

Sorry does that mean i now have pay 50 to get in? If i was paying to have lunch?

Are you telling me if i am a owner with a horse running on the day and not a ra member i would have to pay?you have got to be joking! Lol never heard of a owner having to pay to see his or her horse run? Im lost for words! ! !

Has this always been the case for owners who are not members having to pay a entry fee or just for Summer Cup day?

How to drive punters away from the course. I recall last year it being said this was to keep the riff raff out, presumably the same riff raff who come week in week out and punt on the tote and for whom R 50 is a lot of money.

Well, another successful marketing strategy from the propeller heads and the kiss of death for racing in the long term as once the riff raff get comfortable at the tote or sitting at home they will think twice about returning. Last year this was said to have been done at the request of the sponsors Steinhoff and there was a debate as to who benefited from the money taken and if it was paid over or not to the designated charity.

A clear case of "fuck the poor" as I have ever seen.

Have just read your thread on the entrance fee payable on 29 November, and just to confirm that ALL persons who are booked in a venue and as such will be in possession of a venue ticket collected prior to the day, will not pay an additional entry fee at the gate. This is included in the cost of the meal etc for the day. The same would apply for guests of box holders but on the understanding that they have been issued with their venue ticket before arrival at the course.

Trust this clears up any confusion regarding this topic.

Regards
Debbie Hawkins

The Breeders' Cup made this same sort of mistake this year, over charging for seats to such an extent that when the big event returns next year at the same venue, there will be only a fraction of the people in the seats, unless prices are reduced drastically.

I, for one, am in favor of charging nothing for general admittance, as racing worldwide needs to re-energize its fans base by getting them into the facility so they can become hooked on good racing.

The more at the track, the merrier. The more people in the plant, the more buzz and excitement.

The most boring thing in racing, even for an owner, is to have a winner take place in a vacuum.

If people want to keep the riff-raff out, let them start their own sport by having match races in a field someplace between their own horses.

The Old Boys network needs to decide if they are going to be inclusive or seclusive.

CHESTER racecourse has frozen prices for 2009 tickets, which have already gone on sale, provided they are booked before January 1.

Chief executive Richard Thomas said: “We feel it's important that we reflect the current economic climate by rewarding anyone who purchases 2009 tickets during this year by holding our prices at the 2008 rate.”

The same offer applies to Chester's sister course, Bangor, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of racing at the track on February 25. A series of events will be held throughout the season, which begins on February 6.

Note prices are between 30-40 quid (R720).

RACECOURSES are putting out the red carpet for office parties, and York even has an ‘alternative New Year's eve' bash, on Saturday, January 3.

York sponsorship manager James Brennan explained: “York has lots of leisure and retail businesses, and we're conscious they will be busy over the festive period, so we are holding our alternative party.

“The event also recognises that the availability and cost of babysitters and taxis will be better, so for £33.95, we're promising a great might out with proper Yorkshire good value.”

Delivery of 11,000 crackers has been taken, and York is offering Business Matters readers a complimentary half bottle of wine per head if they mention the feature when booking.

Call 01904 638971 for this offer, and the course's Thursday parties, at £36.95 per head for four-course meal and disco, on December 11 and 18.

Fontwell is combining Christmas parties with Tuesday racing on December 9 and 23, from £75 per head. Details online at fontwellpark.co.uk.
A similar offer is available at Sandown on Friday, December 5, for £75pp (+VAT). Emailsandownparkmarketing@jockeyclubracecourses.com for details.

Look out for Madonna, Tina Turner and Elvis - well, their tribute acts - at Chepstow parties on December 12, 13 and 19 respectively. Cost is £40pp. Details online at chepstow-racecourse.co.uk.

Summer Cup entrance fee has to and will like anything else in the world boil down to supply and demand..if the demand is enough to justify an amount of R50.00 to enter the racecourse then a customer will pay..personally Ive have seen no attempt in the lay press. and other media channels to increase the demand so Im not bullish that the attendance will increase dramatically.ie very doubtful they will have to close the gates early and put up a "FULL" sign.

if you got a poor turnout for the charity mile then you will get a poor turnout at the summer cup...5000 max and that includes the jocks trainers starters etc