Charity turf challenge 2009/10

Racing enthusiasts can look forward to three editions of the Charity Turf Challenge this season! Given the diverse nature of the South African horseracing season, the Board of Racing South Africa agreed to trial the competition during the Cape Sizzling Summer Season and the Highveld’s Autumn Season in addition to the traditional KZN Winter Season Charity Turf Challenge.



Whist the overall management and branding of the Charity Turf Challenge remains with Racing South Africa, Gold Circle’s Western Cape Chapter and the Western Province Owners & Trainers Association (WOPTA), and Phumelela and the Racing Association will play a much greater hands on role for the Cape Town and Johannesburg events respectively.



A guaranteed winner-takes-all prize worth R25 000 is offered for both new events with the promise of a higher return should entries exceed expectations.



The dates for the Cape Sizzling Summer Season Charity Turf Challenge are:



Starts: Saturday, 5 December 2009 featuring the Gr.1 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas

Ends: Saturday, 30 January 2010 – the Gr.1 J&B Met



Chairman of WOPTA, Mr Rodney Dunn, announced that they would be sponsoring a R10 000 stand alone prize for the entrant with the most points scored on J&B Met Day! Their nominated Charity is The Western Cape Equine Trust Horse Care Unit (NPO Number: 000-427)



Changes to the conditions and the entry forms are expected to be available in the first week of November – watch the press for more details.



The dates for the Gauteng Autumn Season Charity Turf Challenge are:

Starts: Saturday, 27 February 2010 (Empress Club Stakes)

Ends: Saturday, 24 April 2010 (Champion’s Challenge)



More detail for the Gauteng event and the dates for the KZN Champions Season Charity Turf Challenge will be announced once the racing programme has been finalized in December.



Racing South Africa CEO Peter Gibson said: “The Charity Turf Challenge has clearly raised the profile of the KQS Champions Season and as a broad-based marketing initiative, the Sport of Horseracing benefits as well. By extending the Charity Turf Challenge to Cape Town and Johannesburg it is a way of recognising the tremendous quality of racing from those centres.



Luck will invariably play a role in this competition, but ultimately it is a test of one’s knowledge of the racing game and cracking the bonus points on offer is always key. Good luck!”



For more information please contact Claudie on 031 3141799.