Smanga Khumalo will captain the local squad
Racing, It’s a Rush was named the title sponsor of this year’s International Jockeys Challenge and in a press release dated 24 October, they have issued an updated list of the 2014 teams.
The riders representing South Africa are:-
S’manga ‘Bling’ Khumalo – Captain
Piere Strydom
Richard Fourie
Muzi Yeni
Anthony Delpech
Bernard Fayd’herbe
Five members of the international squad have been announced so far and include:-
James Doyle will captain the Internationals
James Doyle (UK) – Captain
Martin Harley (Ireland)
Adam Kirby (United Kingdom)
Andreas Helfenbein (Germany)
Selim Kaya (Turkey)
There is one final rider still to be announced.
This year’s challenge will be staged in two legs, the first of which will be hosted at Turffontein on Saturday, 15 November and the second on Sunday, 16 November at Kenilworth.
There will be four team challenges at each event. The team that scores the most points wins the Challenge, but there are also awards for the top riders in each of the legs and the top rider overall.
Points will be allocated as follows:-
1st – 30 points
2nd – 15 points
3rd – 12
4th – 10
5th – 8
6th – 7
7th – 6
8th – 5
9th – 4
10th – 3
11th – 2
12th – 1
Any jockey unable to contest a race, will automatically be awarded seven points.
Since the inception of the current incarnation of the International Jockey Challenge, the home team won the first 4 clashes, while the visiting teams won in 2012 and 2013.
Michael Varney
Michael Varney, Marketing Manager for Racing, It’s A Rush said “The International Jockeys Challenge is the perfect sponsorship opportunity for Racing. It’s a Rush as it aligns with what our brand is trying to achieve. This is a prestigious event which brings together the thrill of horseracing, great South African and worldwide talent, offering the public a wonderful day at the races.”
