From the desk – October

October has been a month of exciting developments for South African horseracing, with achievements to celebrate, milestones reached and an important new chapter unfolding in the way we engage with racehorse owners.

The Algoa Cup Racing Weekend at TAB Fairview was a highlight, celebrating Eastern Cape racing and bringing the local racing community together. The Rise and Shine trackside breakfast provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with owners and introduce Equora, the new evolving proposition for racehorse owners.

We now look forward to the Allied Steelrode OnAMission Charity Mile this Saturday at TAB Turffontein. Last week’s barrier draw was a wonderful reflection of the spirit behind this special event: bringing racing and community together to make a meaningful difference. We wish all the participating charities well, along with the owners and connections of runners, and look forward to a memorable day of racing and giving back.

A New Chapter for Owners

This October edition of ROA Today marks the final edition of the newsletter in its current form, bringing an important chapter in our communication with owners to a close.

As part of the ongoing transition within the industry, the owners’ proposition has evolved into Equora, creating a broader platform focused not only on the benefits of ownership, but also on enhancing the overall ownership experience and attracting a new generation of owners to South African horseracing.

Through Equora, the focus is on building a more connected ownership community, strengthening engagement with existing owners and opening the door for more people to experience the excitement and rewards of racehorse ownership.

Over the coming months, communications, newsletters and updates for owners will progressively move to Equora’s platforms as the new proposition is rolled out.

If you have not yet joined Equora, we strongly encourage you to do so. As we move forward, Equora will be the central platform for owners’ communications, engagement and access. Joining now will help ensure that you remain connected and informed as the next phase takes shape.

While ROA Today may be coming to an end, the ROA team remains available to assist existing members with questions and queries during this transition. The commitment to supporting owners and contributing to the growth of South African horseracing continues as the industry embraces this next chapter.

Looking Ahead to the Betway Summer Cup

With the Betway Summer Cup on Saturday, 28 November, fast approaching, preparations are gathering momentum for one of the highlights of the South African racing calendar.

Tickets are available through www.howler.co.za, and owners planning to attend are encouraged to secure theirs as soon as possible.

For those interested in hospitality within the grandstand building, owners with runners on the day are given priority in the Elevation Room, while the Furious Room offers an additional opportunity, subject to availability. A waiting-list process is in place, so please contact the team early to discuss your requirements and allow bookings to be managed effectively.

Owners should also look out for further communication regarding accreditation, access arrangements and parade ring protocols in the coming weeks. Updated procedures will be implemented for Betway Summer Cup Day to manage congestion, ensure appropriate access and protect the quality of the experience for owners and patrons alike. Further details will be communicated well in advance of the event.

Looking Forward

As we close this edition of ROA Today, I would like to thank our members and the wider racing community for their continued engagement and support.

The ROA has played an important role in representing and supporting racehorse owners, and the relationships built through this work remain invaluable. As the industry evolves, so must the ways in which owners are engaged, the ownership experience is strengthened, and new participants are encouraged into our sport.

The transition to Equora provides an opportunity to build on that foundation, bringing existing and prospective owners together through a renewed and more connected proposition.

This may be the final edition of ROA Today, but it is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for owners. We look forward to sharing more about the continued development of Equora in the months ahead and to welcoming more people into our racing community.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Natalie Turner