--- title: Intense Competition and Exciting Stakes Mark a Memorable Betway Joburg Spring Challenge description: 2024 Betway Spring Challenge Day image: https://19643387.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/19643387/2024%20Spring%20Challenge%20310de377-f5b8-4e69-b1f7-42793ec17601.jpeg --- [BET NOW](https://www.tab4racing.com/) Back ### Horse Racing # Intense Competition and Exciting Stakes Mark a Memorable Betway Joburg Spring Challenge ##### October 2024 ![2024 Spring Challenge 310de377-f5b8-4e69-b1f7-42793ec17601](https://19643387.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/19643387/hubfs/2024%20Spring%20Challenge%20310de377-f5b8-4e69-b1f7-42793ec17601.jpeg?width=1280&height=876&name=2024%20Spring%20Challenge%20310de377-f5b8-4e69-b1f7-42793ec17601.jpeg) *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 Recent posts like this ### ADJUSTED RACING CONDITIONS - UPDATE 4Racing wishes to inform stakeholders that following a two-month trial period of the adjusted racing conditions, we ... [Read more](https://news.4racing.com/adjusted-racing-conditions-update) ### TURFFONTEIN 25 April 2026 moved to Tuesday, 28 April Please note: The race meeting scheduled for Saturday, 25 April 2026 at ... [Read more](https://news.4racing.com/turffontein-25-april-2026-moved-to-tuesday-28-april) ### TAB WEEKEND RACING HIGHLIGHTS: 24 - 26 APRIL CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALE POSTPONED TO TUESDAY [Read more](https://news.4racing.com/tab-weekend-racing-highlights-24-26-april)