From the desk – January
Dear Members
Welcome to the January edition of ROA Today. This is the first edition of our monthly newsletter for 2025.
During the month of January, we have been fortunate to witness some exhilarating feature racing in the Western Cape. Both the L’Omarins Kings Plate and the WSB Cape Met were spectacular racedays. I must applaud the Cape Racing team on a job well done as well as extend my most sincere congratulations to all of the connections with winners on these two prestigious racedays. Click here for a recap of the WSB Cape Town Met.
On Saturday 1st of February, all eyes will be on Turffontein as feature racing returns to the Highveld for the first leg of the TAB SA Triple Crown for 3-year-olds, and the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara for 3-year-old fillies. The R1,000,000 Tab Gauteng Guineas (G2) and the R750,000 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas (G2) are both run over 1600m at Turffontein. Details of 4Racing’s The Championships Season for 2025 can be found by clicking here. I remind members to please book in advance in order to ensure adequate hospitality and catering services are on offer on the day. Kindly email info@racehorseowners.co.za to secure your table or call (011) 683 3220. Alternatively, you may make use of our popular WhatsApp Booking Line 079 396 9248.
I am delighted to announce that we have, to date, paid out over R 2,1 million in ROA Bonus races since the start of September 2024. While this amount is significant, with many Members enjoying this benefit, we understand that there are owners who have missed out on the opportunity as they were either not aware of our promotion or, as was the case in several instances, not all owners racing in partnership are Members of the ROA and therefore the full bonus could not be awarded. I would be appreciative if Members would make known to fellow owners the benefits of being an ROA Member and encourage owners, who are not yet Members to join. Bonus races continue until the end of March 2025 and a full schedule of these races taking place on the Highveld and in the Eastern Cape for the month ahead, can be found here.
I invite members to keep an eye on their inboxes in the coming weeks for an announcement on the re-opening of the restaurant at Randjesfontein Training Centre. This family friendly and relaxed location will be soon alive with visitors, both old and new, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to enjoy the picturesque surroundings and warm atmosphere.
The January edition of ROA Today profiles two very exciting ROA members in our Owner of the Month and Life Member features. Both Trevor Teegler and Jonathan Gerber’s stories while different, highlight the passion, thrill and excitement that racehorse ownership has to offer. Please do click on each of these inspiring stories and continue to follow along each month as we get to know more about our fellow ROA community and its members.
I’d like to draw your attention to the world renowned annual ITBF Global Webinar where registration is now open and free to all Thoroughbred enthusiasts. This major international industry event will take place on Tuesday 18th February 2025 at 12.00 Midday (UK time) and includes an International Breeders’ Panel discussing “Finding Positive Ways Forward”. The panel includes experts from around the world, including South Africa’s Jehan Malherbe, Breeder, Owner and Bloodstock Agent. A link to the video recording will be made available to those who register and are unable to attend live. Click here for more details and the link for registration.
I take this opportunity to announce that the ROA will host its twenty sixth Annual General Meeting of Members on Thursday 13th of March 2025 at 10h00. The formal Notice of Meeting and supporting documents will follow in due course during the month of February.
In closing, and on behalf of the members, staff and directors of the ROA, I’d like to wish esteemed South African Racing TV personality, Cecil Mthembu, all the best on his retirement. Cecil remains a long-time friend of the ROA, and we thank him for all he has done over the years in support of the industry, click here for a short video highlighting some of the lives he has touched over the years.
Best wishes for the month ahead and I look forward to seeing you at the races.
