Above: Oisin Murphy wins aboard T'Challa for Team Valor International (Picture credit: Steven Cargill)
The R6 Million Betway Summer Cup is Africa’s Richest Race – and is now set to attract international interest. 4Racing is thrilled to announce that the three-time British Champion jockey Oisin Murphy will be one of the jockeys for the Betway Summer Cup 2024, adding an element of international zest to Africa’s Richest Race.
“The Betway Summer Cup 2024 is flying the flag high for South African racing. The increased stakes of R6m makes this Africa’s Richest Race, which was followed up by 2023 winner Muzi Yeni’s sumptuous Singapore victory last week – and now we have the honour of welcoming a global superstar in Oisin Murphy,” said Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO
The soon-to-be crowned 2024 British champion jockey is no stranger to the international racing scene, with triumphs in Group 1 races across 8 countries. "I am really looking forward to my trip to Johannesburg. It would be a feather in my cap to win a Grade 1 race in Africa. I can't wait to meet all the racing fans," said Murphy.
Barry Irwin, the Team Valor CEO said about the champion jockey, "Oisin is my favorite British/European rider. He reminds me a lot of Bill Shoemaker, of whom it was often said that he bothered a horse less than any other jockey. Oisin is just the same. And he rides with such confidence that he transmits this feature to his mounts. It is beautiful to watch."
Murphy has his sights firmly on the Turffontein’s biggest race and is set to ride Team Valor’s Frances Ethel. Trainer, James Crawford said, “We are very grateful to Team Valor for having the filly in South Africa and the ability to achieve some good success with her.”
With 42 entries received for the race, it brings together the best of the nation's talent including a Gr1 Durban July winner, two Gr1 Betway Summer Cup winners, Royal Victory (2023) and Puerto Manzano (2022), two Gr1 Premier's Champion Challenge winners, the Gr2 SA Oaks winner, the Gr1 Woolavington 2000 winner, three Gr1 SA Derby winner and a Gr1 SA Classic winners.
The Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup is set to take place on 30 November at Turffontein Racecourse. This is now South Africa's Richest horseracing prize with a stake of R6 million – which is in keeping with the stature of this age-old race, which was first run a year after Joburg itself was founded. The 2024 theme “Silks In The City” encourages racegoers to dress up showing off their favourite colours combinations.
For hospitality queries contact reservations@4racing.com, or visit www.Ticketpro.co.za to purchase tickets from just R100.
For media queries contact:
Shandre Habib
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Email: ShandreH@4Racing.com
Neo Sesinye
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Email: news@vumareputation.com