The coupling of stable companions and the first-timer rule will no longer apply to Jackpot bets on South African races from Monday 1 November.
This important rule change brings the Jackpot on South African racing in line with the Jackpot on international races, where neither couplings nor first-timer rules apply.
“The chief reason for axing the couplings and first-timer rule from the Jackpot on South African racing is that many people felt the bet had gone stale and needed to be revitalised. Doing away with couplings and the first-timer rule will obviously make the Jackpot more difficult to win, which in turn should rekindle interest in the bet,” said Phumelela’s General Manager Marketing and Communications Robert Garner. “In addition the Jackpot rules for local and international races will now be the same.”
Phumelela Betting Executive Vee Moodley added that under the current rules the Jackpot was merely an abbreviated version of the Pick 6. “The amendments to the Jackpot rules from 1 November give the bet its own unique identity going forward,” he said.
As a result of the coupling rule falling away, should any horse selected for the Jackpot be scratched it will be replaced by the tote favourite.
The coupling of stable companions and the first-timer rule will continue to apply to Pick 6 bets.
