Intense Competition and Exciting Stakes Mark a Memorable Betway Joburg Spring Challenge

Image: Back In Business wins the 2024 Gr2 Betway Spring Challenge 

The Betway Joburg Spring Challenge was a high-stakes thrilling event as racing enthusiasts embraced the vibrant spring atmosphere at Turffontein Racecourse. With a 9-race programme, the stakes for the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge were boosted from R400 000 to R550 000 – this is in addition to the R150 000 stake increase to the Betway Joburg Spring F&M Challenge stakes taking it to R450 000 – making the total stakes increases on the two feature races a total of R1 million.

The Betway Spring Challenge Day is an opportunity to witness riveting horse racing featuring the country’s finest thoroughbreds in action and is typically considered an early preview of some potential contenders for the highly anticipated R6 million 2024 Betway Summer Cup.

The Gr2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge delivered a gripping display as two standout horses vied for victory: Back In Business ridden by rising global star Rachel Venniker and Barbaresco guided by jockey Raymond Danielson – in a dramatic finish. Wild At War and Philasande Mxoli finished third in today’s feature race.

Turffontein’s highlights also included the Gr2 Betway Joburg Spring F&M Challenge, a 1450m featured race with a R450 000 stake, where Celtic Rumours and Gavin Lerena put on a thrilling performance, emerging victorious.

“We're on a roll this season, and the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge’s stakes increases are a significant way in which Betway and 4Racing are showcasing their commitment to elevating the industry. The atmosphere today was electric, and I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of the talent we’ll see in the upcoming races – the level of competition has never been higher, and I’m excited for what’s next.” said Gabriel Soma, 4Racing Head of Racing Operations.

Next up in the feature race season is the Allied Steelrode Onamission Charity Mile on Saturday, 2 November, at Turffontein Racecourse, as the Highveld racing captivating momentum continues.

Here’s a full list of the winners on the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge race day:

Race 1: Betway Welcomes You Maiden Plate 1600m

Horse: The Octagon
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Trainer: Alec Laird

Race 2: Betway Maiden Plate (F&M) 1600m

Horse: Stormy Sunday
Jockey: Denis Schwarz
Trainer: Robbie Sage 

Race 3: Betway MR 86 Handicap 2000m

Horse: Atarime
Jockey: Rachel Venniker
Trainer: Paul Matchett

Race 4: Betway Pinnacle Stakes 2600m

Horse: Raiseahallelujah
Jockey: Serino Moodley
Trainer: Candice Dawson

Race 5: Betway Graduation Plate (F & M) 1200m

Horse: Mia Moo
Jockey: Craig Zackey
Trainer: Sean Tarry

Race 6: Betway Joburg Spring F & M Challenge (Grade 2) 1450m

Horse: Celtic Rumours
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Trainer: Sean Tarry

Race 7: Betway Joburg Spring Challenge (Grade 2) 1450m

Horse: Back In Business
Jockey: Rachel Venniker
Trainer: Joe Soma

Race 8: Betway Graduation Plate 1200m

Horse: Gorgeous Klein
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Trainer: Tony Peter

Race 9: Betway MR 96 Handicap 1000m

Horse: Karangetang
Jockey: Rachel Venniker
Trainer: Johan Janse van Vuuren

ENDS

For any media inquiries contact:

Shandre Habib

083 307 6036

ShandreH@4Racing.com