Tony Peter’s Main Defender made his shadow loom large on the Highveld season with a commanding Betway Spring Challenge victory, while superstar Mrs Geriatrix had to fight hard to retain her unbeaten record in the Bloodstock SA Sales Cup, as the Betway Spring Series came to an exhilarating close at Turffontein today.
BSA Sales Cup winner – Mrs Geriatrix (Pic – 4Racing)
The prestigious R400 000 Bloodstock SA Sales Cup for fillies produced a Turffontein thriller when Sean Tarry’s charge, the three-year-old filly Mrs Geriatrix, found a tough adversary in White Pearl from the Mike de Kock yard.
Mrs Geriatrix came into the race on a five-race win streak and was widely expected to continue her winning ways, but she had to work hard for the win.
White Pearl mounted a determined challenge, and the two fillies matched each other stride for stride in the final stages, but jockey Richard Fourie had judged it to perfection to get Mrs Geriatrix’s nose down on the line when it counted.
The grand finale of the Highveld Spring Season was filled with family fun and excitement at the picturesque Big T racecourse on Saturday, setting the tone for the summer season as the build-up continues to the prestigious R5 million Betway Summer Cup on Saturday 25 November.
The atmosphere at the Big T was electrifying, with the cheers of passionate punters and roars of excitement echoing through the venue on a fantastic Betway Spring Challenge race day.
Families enjoyed a day of exceptional entertainment, with activities for children, delicious culinary options, and sensational horse racing ensuring that the Betway Spring Series lived up to its name on a gorgeous sunny day on the Highveld.
Another race that kept racegoers on the edge of their seats was the Gr2 Betway Joburg Spring Fillies and Mares Challenge, with the brilliant Feather Boa, steered by Gavin Lerena, emerging victorious in a display that brought racegoers to their feet.
Betway Spring Challenge Race Day (Pic – 4Racing)
The Gr2 Betway Joburg Spring Challenge main race was equally thrilling, with Main Defender, ridden by the talented Soweto-born Kabelo Matsunyane, taking the crown in emphatic fashion to win the R550 000 main race by five lengths. Matsunyane once again demonstrated his remarkable skills for the Tony Peter stable, with Tarry’s Thunderstruck closest in second place – a long way off the impressive winner.
The competition throughout the Betway Spring Series was nothing short of sensational. The level of skill and determination displayed by both horse and jockey in each of the 13 race days in the series again highlighted the calibre of talent within the racing community.
Punters and spectators were treated to a Betway Spring Challenge finale filled with nail-biting finishes and heart pounding moments, making it a truly unforgettable experience for a good crowd in attendance at Turffontein.
4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe
“The Betway Joburg Spring Challenge was a thrilling racing event for the whole family. Betway has been a phenomenal partner for 4Racing and the horseracing community and it was fantastic to see so many people from diverse backgrounds enjoying a day at the races in typically Joburg style. It was a day of high quality, competitive racing for avid punters and also a fun, family day enjoyed by families and social racegoers. As the Betway Spring Series draws to a close, it has been the perfect launchpad in the build to the big one, the R5 million Betway Summer Cup, and we are super excited for what the Highveld summer season has in store for us,” said Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO.
The Betway Spring Series has been a wonderful fillip for South African horse racing, showcasing increased stakes, thrilling competition, outstanding horsemanship, and an atmosphere of family-friendly enjoyment.
Betway Gr2 Spring Challenge winner – Main Defender (Pic – 4Racing)
As the Spring season concludes, the Betway Summer Cup is set to raise the stakes even higher, with an impressive R5 Million up for grabs.
Next up on the Highveld feature race season is the Allied Steelrode on A Mission Charity Mile, taking place on Saturday 28 October at Turffontein Racecourse, with Betway proud sponsors of the Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes on the day.
Full list of the winners on the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge race day:
Race 1: Betway Tote Rewards Club Maiden Plate
Horse: Copper Mist
Jockey: Calvin Habib
Race 2: Betway Insurebet Maiden Plate
Horse: Gimme A Nother
Jockey: Juan Paul Van Der Merwe
Race 3: Bloodstock Sa Sales Cup
Horse: Mrs Geriatrix
Jockey: Richard Fourie
Race 4: Bloodstock Sa Sales Cup
Horse: Purple Pitcher
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane
Race 5: Betway Joburg Spring Fillies & Mares Challenge
Horse: Feather Boa
Jockey: Gavin Lerena
Race 6: Betway Joburg Spring Challenge
Horse: Main Defender
Jockey: Kabelo Matsunyane
Race 7: Betway Aviator Pinnacle Stakes
Horse: Mover and Shaker
Jockey: S’manga Khumalo
Race 8: Betway Back The Boks Fm 80 Handicap
Horse: My Soul Mate
Jockey: Muzi Yeni
Race 9: Betway We Pay Your Tax On Horse Racing Wins Mr 80 Handicap
Horse: Youcanthurrylove
Jockey: Dennis Schwarz
- Media release by 4Racing on Sunday 8 October 2023
