From the desk – June
Dear Members
Welcome to the June edition of ROA Today.
It is the end of June and the significantly colder months on the Highveld each year signal a very special period for racing in South Africa. It is time to once again look to KwaZulu-Natal for South Africa’s beloved racing spectacle, the Hollywoodbets Durban July taking place on Saturday 5th July at Hollywoodbets Greyville. This iconic race captures the imagination of both die-hard racing enthusiasts and those simply drawn in by the glamour, energy and spectacle of the day. There is a palpable excitement that builds in the lead up to the event and it is a powerful reminder of horseracing’s enduring appeal and its ability to bring us together in moments of pure exhilaration. With 12 races carded for the day and 7 being Graded Races, it promises to be a very exciting days racing. For those Members who enjoy a flutter, you can expect record betting pools as this year, Race 7 is a WORLD POOL event. Click here for details on the big race’s final field.
As the national racing season now also draws to a close, excitement begins to build as the racing community considers who will be named Equus Champions in their respective categories at the prestigious event taking place on Thursday, 14 August 2025 at Hollywoodbets Greyville. Click here for the latest points tables for the equine categories and we can expect a lot more excitement as we progress through the remainder of the season. Another thrilling element is the race for Champion Jockey, with only 7 wins between the top contenders to date. Gavin Lerena, Richard Fourie and Craig Zackey, will be in a head-to-head contest as the final stages of the season will most certainly showcase the talent, incredible work ethic and professionalism of these young men. We cannot wait to see who the eventual Champion will be.
Youth Day in South Africa was June 16th, and young people in horseracing is an important aspect of the sport’s continued growth and development. Young owners, riders and trainers bring fresh perspectives and a new energy to the industry, while also ensuring its future by learning from experienced professionals. We took the opportunity this month, to chat to our youngest ROA member. Click here to meet Brhys Spong.
In keeping with the Youth Day theme, we are proud to be able to provide support and raise awareness for The South African Jockey Academy’s transformative initiative, The Appie Leg Up Programme. We will be at the BSA KZN Yearling Sale this week at Suncoast, Durban, so if you are in town, please do come along and see us to learn more about this valuable programme and meet some of the apprentices currently enrolled in the academy. Click here for more information on this worthy initiative. It is important to note that any donations made to this programme will qualify for a Section 18A certificate and tax deduction.
We are proud to feature Keino Kemsley as our ROA Owner of the Month and Allan Preddy as our Life Member for the month June. Their stories, while quite different are both touching and inspiring to read. We use these monthly profiles, not only to acknowledge the passion, commitment, and contributions of our Members, but also help to personalise the sport, making it more relatable and inspiring for others. By sharing their journeys, we foster a deeper sense of community, encourage new ownership, and highlight the diverse pathways into racing. These stories strengthen the ROA’s identity and reinforce our values of inclusivity, legacy, and pride that will hopefully drive the growth of horseracing in South Africa.
When considering attributes such as passion, commitment and dedication, it would be remiss of me not to mention Mr Ronnie Napier. I was extremely saddened to hear of his passing, and I would like to, on behalf of the ROA Board and staff, both past and present, convey our sincere condolences to Mrs Napier and the Napier family. He was a true gentleman and will be truly missed.
In closing I wish all racing patrons an exciting end to what has been an exhilarating season.
