While the opening match of the Rugby World Cup between the hosts Japan and Russia will be a focal point of attention for many today, Fairview hosts eight races on the polytrack with some competitive racing.
![](https://www.sportingpost.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/JuanNel.jpg)
Juan Nel – first runner today
And it is a big day for former Saudi Arabia-based Juan Nel, who sends out his first runner, Vivid Red in the first. She is expected to run well, if not too green.
The 45-year-old former jockey, who honed his skills in spells with Justin Snaith, Brett Crawford, Mike de Kock, Joey Ramsden and Mike Bass, trained several winners in Saudi Arabia.
Nel joined the SA Jockey Academy in 1989 in the same year as Heinz Runge, Francois Herholdt, the late Andre Du Preez, Rene Bonham and Craig Arnold.
He was twice champion apprentice but eventually hung up his boots due to weight issues.
The first is off at 12h25 and is also the Bipot opener.
The Walmer Handicap, a non black-type event, heads the programme.
The false rail is set at 3m out at the 421m marker.
First-timers / Rested horses comments
1 12:25 – ITSARUSH.CO.ZA WELCOMES YOU MAIDEN PLATE
8 COMET PATH G D Smith: Speedy filly, may be green
9 KRASNYI Y Bremner: No comment given
10 VIVID RED J P Nel: Drawn wide, if not too green should run well
2 13:00 – ALL TO COME CONDITIONS PLATE (F & M)
1 PRINCESS REBEL Y Bremner: No comment given
3 MARY O’ REILLY Y Bremner: No comment given
3 13:35 – TAB PAYS THE FULL DIVIDEND, NO LIMITS MAIDEN PLATE
7 NICKELBACK Y Bremner: No comment given
6 15:25 – WALMER HANDICAP (Non-Black Type)
5 PEARL GLOW G Paddock: Will need the run
- Comments by Phumelela Publishing