Night racing at the big T, good news!

Night Racing at Turffontein may start in October

The first night race meeting at Turffontein could be held as early as October this year following the Racing Association giving the thumbs up to a revised design for the lighting masts.

Initially it was intended to have night racing at Turffontein from October last year, but the planned installation of lights was delayed by a trainer’s objection to night racing at the venue and the liquidation of the contracted mast supplier.

In the interim the costs of the project spiralled from R35 million to R50 million and, in consultation with the Racing Association, it was agreed to review how best the proceeds arising from the termination of racing’s usage agreement at Newmarket could be spent for the benefit of the industry.

This review included an investigation into an all-weather racing surface and reducing the cost of the night racing project through lighting only one of the two tracks at Turffontein and different lighting mast designs.

While this was ongoing, the Phumelela board confirmed that every effort should be made to introduce night racing at Turffontein if it could be accomplished within the original budget.

This has proved possible as a result of various factors, notably a drop in the price of materials, lighting only the standside track and a unique lighting mast design.

Given the unique nature of the lighting masts, Phumelela decided that it was important that the Racing Association (RA), which represents racehorse owners in Phumelela racing regions, approve the aesthetics of the new design before proceeding.

To this end a temporary replica of the lighting masts was erected on the Turffontein infield and, after inspecting the mast, the RA has given the green light to the new design.

The generators and luminaires were purchased some time ago and the installation of the lighting masts will now continue. If everything goes according to schedule, it should be possible for the first night race meeting at Turffontein to take place this October

Great news. This time it might just be for real, given that the new mast design has been okayed.

This on /off saga has been going on for quite a while,lets hope its true and not just another 'wool over the eyes',story.

Zoro my man..you right we tired of the bullshit..they must either be sincere or shut their mouths bout these kinda things.

Im bust cutting out horses that havnt run yet based on my outlook as to whats going on..I dont think they realise what impact their jesting has.

Yip we should be gratefull.
We will be starting with the straight and later on around the bend.
The first mast is already up.

Good news Kobus, I really enjoy night racing, so roll on.

Well done to all concerned. I am sure it will add value to SA racing in general. Its now up to us the punters to support this not only with our punting but with our attendance at the track. If we don't then all this fighting would be in vain.

Al, I hate to be a spoil sport, but I believe due to security concerns about the area, the track attendance is likely to be even poorer at night

Hummer H2 and you be OK Frodo

... with the necessary optional add-on's (like flame throwers) - lol

I seem to remember talk of 'special' buses being organised from Pretoria etc.

Dave, I think at the time you got a 'costing' - if organised it could be quite interesting - no?

Yes, still have the details, sure it has gone up, but might be worth re-visiting?

Maybe RA/P would come to the party and have a courtesy bus, same as the casinos?