Gqeberha, 25 October 2024
Horse racing enthusiasts embraced the vibrant atmosphere at the Betway Algoa Cup Day as the sun shone down on fabulous Fairview. Originally carded to take place on the Turf, the Fairview meeting went ahead on the Polytrack.
The Betway Algoa Cup (Listed) was a hometown affair as local trainer Jacques Strydom-trained FireAlley stormed home under the guidance of Craig Zackey. It was a fairytale win for trainer Strydom who trained the last local winner 15 years ago in 2009 with Surfin’ USA.
“I would like to thank Betway for their support of racing in all of our jurisdictions, but particularly here in the Eastern Cape. We are proud that this is the Betway Algoa Cup for 2024. It was an exciting day, and I am so happy for the winning connections of FireAlley. It was particularly special that Jacques Strydom trained this winner as prior to this he was the last local trainer to win the Algoa Cup back in 2009” said Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO.
This year’s Algoa Cup was a rare occasion as the race had to take place on the Polytrack and not Turf. 4Racing Senior Manager of Racing Operations (Eastern Cape), Gail Rieder explained the decision to move the meeting “We received 144mm of rain within 24-hours from Monday to Tuesday morning. Given that more rain was forecast, we consulted with our team and a decision was made to move the meeting to the Polytrack at 11h30 on Tuesday after taking a penetrometer reading”.
Friday at Fairview had two other supporting features on the card. Glen Kotzen trained On My Honour won The Racehorse Owners Association Stakes (Listed) with Denis Schwarz aboard. There were two scratching’s in the the Betway Wedgewood Handicap (NBT) taking the final field to four runners. With the change of surface to Polytrack, the distance was revised from 2400m to 2200m. Alan Greeff trained Official Secret posted a commanding 7.5 length victory under Richard Fourie.
In a joint initiative between the Racehorse Owners Association, the Thoroughbred Racing Trust and 4Racing, R123 000 worth of riding gear was handed over to the dedicated Work Rider’s of the Eastern Cape region.
Taking momentum from racing at Fairview, Saturday 26 October offers a day to celebrate the hardworking grooms of Fairview Racecourse. Prize money of R9 000 will be up for grabs in the Groom’s Soccer Tournament Final, which will be played on the Fairview Soccer Field. Shosholoza FC are looking to defend their 2023 Title from Young Stars FC.
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