From the desk – January

Dear Member

As we step into 2026, there is a real sense of momentum around our sport, and it is wonderful to see the year already off to such an exciting start. The Cape Season has delivered some thrilling racing and a fantastic energy around the course, reminding us once again of the depth and quality within South African racing.

This Saturday, the spotlight firmly belongs to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth for the running of the iconic World Sports Betting Cape Town Met. It is always a highlight on the racing calendar and promises to be another thrilling contest. We look forward to a memorable day as all eyes turn to Cape Town for what should be a true celebration of South African racing.

Back on the Highveld, excitement is also building as we gear up for The Championships at Turffontein Racecourse. The first legs of both the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara and the TAB SA Triple Crown are just around the corner, and they mark the start of what is always a hugely anticipated period on our calendar.

The R750,000 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas (Grade 2) over 1600m and the R1,000,000 TAB Gauteng Guineas (Grade 2) also over 1600m, will showcase some exceptional three-year-old talent. Adding to the excitement, a R1 million bonus will be paid to the connections of any filly who can capture all three legs of the Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara, while a R2 million bonus awaits the connections of any horse that manages to sweep all three legs of the SA Triple Crown. These bonuses speak to the prestige of these series and the ambition we have for excellence in South African racing.

With the sales season also approaching, we are pleased to remind members of the Bloodstock South Africa (BSA) 2026 Sales Incentives, which are designed to deliver an estimated R20 million in benefits to the breeding and racing industry. These incentives play an important role in supporting owners, breeders and participants across the entire value chain, and we encourage members to familiarise themselves with the details. Click here  for more information on the BSA 2026 Sales Incentives.

Behind the scenes, the ROA continues to work closely with 4Racing to enhance and elevate the owner experience, particularly on raceday. As part of this, members will soon notice the introduction of new parade ring access controls and winners’ enclosure etiquette. These measures will be communicated in advance, and we appeal to all stakeholders to support them and to lead by example. Our aim is to ensure that the winning moment remains special, seamless and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Members will also have seen recent communications regarding dress codes across various venues, including the parade ring. These guidelines are intended to complement the significant venue upgrades and to maintain the smart, welcoming and upmarket atmosphere that reflects the quality of our racing product. Dressing appropriately enhances the overall experience and contributes positively to the comfort, presentation and pride we take in our raceday environment.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the year before us. Our partnership with 4Racing continues to strengthen, and it is encouraging to see plans beginning to translate into visible progress on the ground. The power of partnership remains central to growing our sport, supporting our owners and ensuring a sustainable future for racing.

I would also like to advise members that the ROA will host its Twenty-Seventh Annual General Meeting on Monday, 16 March 2026, at Turffontein Racecourse. The meeting will be held in person, and the formal Notice of Meeting, together with supporting documentation and proxy forms, will be circulated during February. Members who may have queries or matters they wish to raise are encouraged to engage with us in good time so that these can be addressed appropriately.

I wish you well for the month ahead and look forward to seeing you at the races as we continue what promises to be an exciting year for racing.