From the desk – November
Dear Members
As I reflect on the last month, I cannot help but be moved by the competitive and exciting feature racing we’ve been privileged to witness during the Highveld Spring Season.
Turffontein came to life as the 2024 edition of the Grade 2 Allied Steelrode Charity Mile took place on the 2nd of November and was won by Winchester Mansion. The charity element of this prestigious race saw 19 deserving charities benefit from our generous sponsors Allied Steelrode. The day turned out to be the perfect start of 4Racing’s “November To Remember” as we were then treated to a wonderful contest with the Grade 3 Betway Victory Moon Stakes win, from Alec Laird’s former Cape-based, Greeting My Master, followed by an exhilarating and highly entertaining evening when Night Racing returned to the “Big T” for the running of the Summer Pudding Handicap (Listed) over 1600m.
All eyes remain on Turffontein this Saturday, for the running of the 2024 Betway Summer Cup (G1) over 2000m. This day features another four graded races and special thanks must be made to Betway, not only did they raise the stake of the main race to a fantastic R6 million, but their amazing gesture of giving every groom, taking care of a horse in the final field of the Betway Summer Cup, a guaranteed R20 000 incentive is an incredible way of recognising the contribution of some of the most hard-working and dedicated members of the horseracing industry.
On Saturday, the 23rd of November the ROA hosted approximately 150 guests out at Randjesfontein Training Centre for a “Rise and Shine” complimentary breakfast and early morning track work experience. It was a wonderful morning out and we thank all those who attended. Click here for more on this event.
The ROA’s strategic focus lies in specific key pillars, including stakes maximisation, philanthropy and enhancing the Ownership experience, both on and off the track, for the promotion and growth of the sport of horseracing. We view our relationship with 4Racing in a true spirit of partnership and over the last few months, have begun working closely and collaboratively to enhance the Ownership experience in 4Racing jurisdictions. In the past year, our collaborations through the provision of Bonus Stakes to ROA members in the Eastern Cape and on the Highveld, the support provided to the Work Riders Programme which included the provision of new kit to riders in the Eastern Cape, as well as the collaboration on the Grooms’ Initiatives launched in 2023, comprising the provision of funeral benefits and medical insurance to grooms and stable hands, have proved extremely successful and created meaningful change in people’s lives. I am encouraged about the future continued partnership and collaboration between the ROA and 4Racing which will introduce a range of initiatives that are significantly aimed at enhancing the racehorse Ownership experience. Our combined efforts foster a community-oriented environment that celebrates not just the sport, but the people and the horses that make it great. “The enhancement of the Ownership experience is a key pillar of the 4Racing Strategy, and this has been strongly evidenced by the investment in the refurbishment of the hospitality venues at the Turffontein racecourse which will continue with upgrades of similar venues at the Fairview and the Vaal racecourses alike. This strategic intent is shared by the ROA, and the teams on the ground have been fostering a closer working relationship to collaborate on the execution of this strategy. Watch this space for more updates on the collaborative efforts across the ROA and 4Racing.” -Fundi Sithebe, CEO, 4Racing-
In closing I would like to inform members that the ROA administration offices will be closed from Tuesday 17th December to Friday 3rd January 2025 and contact details for bookings will be communicated to members in our December edition of ROA Today.
I wish you a safe and successful few weeks as we wind down and move towards the end of a busy year.
