Johannesburg, South Africa — 4Racing advises all Trainers and Stakeholders that with immediate effect,
there will be no cancellation of races at entry or declaration stage in any 4Racing Jurisdiction.
All programmed races will proceed as scheduled, provided there are a minimum of two (2) actual runners on
race day.
This decision has been taken in response to the increasing practice of horses being accepted in order to
ensure a race proceeds, followed by the scratching of couplings, resulting in significantly reduced final field
sizes.
This trend has been particularly noticeable in Plate races, higher MR races and certain staying races.
We are aware these categories of races are often used to prepare horses for upcoming feature events or in
certain cases such as the staying race category , there are limited opportunities each month.
In order to protect race opportunities while maintaining financial sustainability, a revised stake structure will
apply based on the number of actual runners participating on race day.
Please note:
This policy applies with immediate effect.
Not applicable to Graded and Listed races.
Revised Stake Structure (Based on Actual Runners)
• 8 Actual Runners
*100% of the gross stake paid*
1st: 62.5%
2nd: 20%
3rd: 10%
4th: 5%
5th: 2.5%
• 7 Actual Runners
*90% of the gross stake paid*
1st: 62.5%
2nd: 20%
3rd: 10%
4th: 5%
5th: 2.5%
• 6 Actual Runners
*80% of the gross stake paid*
1st: 62.5%
2nd: 20%
3rd: 10%
4th: 5%
5th: 2.5%
• 5 Actual Runners
*60% of the gross stake paid*
1st: 62.5%
2nd: 20%
3rd: 10%
4th: 5%
5th: 2.5%
• 4 Actual Runners
*50% of the gross stake paid*
1st: 65%
2nd: 20%
3rd: 10%
4th: 5%
• 3 Actual Runners
*40% of the gross stake paid*
1st: 68%
2nd: 22%
3rd: 10%
• 2 Actual Runners
*30% of the gross stake paid*
1st: 75%
2nd: 25%
This structure ensures:
Races are protected and programmed opportunities remain available.
Stake distribution remains fair relative to competitiveness.
The practice of artificial acceptances followed by late scratchings is discouraged.
Financial exposure aligns with actual participation levels.
We trust that all trainers will understand the necessity of this adjustment and support the objective of
maintaining both the integrity and sustainability of our racing programme.