BUMPER FIELDS & BIG PRIZE MONEY SET TO GET PULSES RACING ON BETWAY SPRING CHALLENGE DAY
Johannesburg, 3 October 2023
As Joburg heats up and hots up, Turffontein Racecourse is the perfect place to usher in Spring this weekend, as the Betway Spring Challenge offers a fantastic, action-packed family day at the races.
One of the City of Gold’s biggest race days, the Betway Spring Challenge this Saturday 7 October is a chance to see some of the country’s finest thoroughbreds in action up close, with a bumper field of 16 top-class horses lining up in the main race on the day.
Stakes for the Grade 2 Betway Spring Challenge have increased from R400 000 to a whopping R550 000, as operators 4Racing and Betway literally raise the stakes on the Highveld horse racing season, as they look to amplify the on-track experience and elevate the industry.
Punters and all in Gauteng looking for a fantastic day out in the sun can look forward to a free, fun-filled family day with world-class hospitality, sensational racing and fun kids activities on the track at Turffontein.
Some of the Highveld’s most exciting racing stars, such as Anfields Rocket, William Robertson, Bingwa, Dave The King, MK’s Pride, Thunderstruck, Quantum Theory, Main Defender and Miss Daisy are all lining up in the Betway Spring Challenge field, as punters get a first chance to look at the prospects and contenders for the massive R5 million Betway Summer Cup, taking place at Turffontein on Saturday 25 November.
And all of the country’s biggest jockeys will be on show too, with the likes of S’manga Khumalo, Gavin Lerena, Richard Fourie, Muzi Yeni, Calvin Habib, the maestro Piere Strydom and rising Soweto star Kabelo Matsunyane all set to compete in the Betway Spring Challenge.
Also on the card the Grade 2 Betway Joburg Spring Fillies & Mares Challenge has seen stakes rise from R300 000 to a remarkable R450 000, with fantastic horses such as Lady Of Power, Gimme A Shot, Good Queen Bess, Feather Boa, Marigold Hotel, Mrs Browning, Emirate Gina and Humdinger all in the powerful final field for this cracking race.
Another thrill for punters to look forward to is the return to the Highveld track of superstar filly, Mrs Geriatrix, lining up in the R400 000 Bloodstock SA Sales Cup for three-year-old fillies, as trainer Sean Tarry and jockey Richard Fourie look to build on their sensational breakout season last year for the Magical Lady Syndicate.
"The Betway Spring Series has truly been a game-changer for South African horse racing in generating huge early excitement at the start of the Highveld season, with the increased stakes on offer a big boost for the country’s top horses and their connections. We are thrilled with the positive impact the collaboration with Betway has had and greatly appreciative of the support the Betway team has shown in considerably increasing stakes and raising the quality of the racing experience. Their sponsorship has enhanced the competitiveness on the track for the benefit of all in the horse racing industry. We are delighted to see the high-quality bumper final fields for Betway Spring Challenge Day, competing for big stakes and prestige on a great race day, as we continue the build-up to what is sure to be an incredible R5 million Betway Summer Cup this year,” said Gabriel Soma, 4Racing Head of Racing Operations.
As the 13-part Betway Spring Series culminates with the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge this Saturday, all roads lead to Turffontein, as the best thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers all compete for the day’s big prizes.
The day’s racing starts at 12h00, the main race is at 14h45 and the last race is at 16h30.
Catch the action live on Racing 240 on DStv Channel 240. To take part on the day and have a stab at the big pools on offer, take a bet with TAB in-store or online at www.tab4racing.com - or even better yet make your way to Turffontein for what’s sure to be a great day out in the Spring sun.
Final fields for the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge Big Feature Races this Saturday at Turffontein are as follows:-