The class of 2025 has been unveiled! A final field of 17 will face the starter at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth 2000m marker on Saturday 25 January for the 163rd renewal of the R5 million World Sports Betting Gr1 Cape Town Met.
In what looks all set to be a vintage renewal of the flagship race that started life as the Metropolitan Mile in 1883, a nationally representative field of 16 colts and geldings, and a lone filly in Dean Kannemeyer’s Red Palace – who pulled a pole position gate – will bid for glory and a chapter in the history books of the South African turf.
Red Palace will be ridden by Gavin Lerena (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The field was unveiled at an event after races at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Wednesday evening, where the barrier gate positions were drawn under the supervision of the National Horseracing Authority.
South African champion trainer Justin Snaith has a quintet of Met runners in his bid to win the big race for the third consecutive year, and the fourth time overall after Oh Susanna broke the ice for our most famous racing family in 2017.
Snaith is one of five of the ten trainers in the 2025 renewal who have won the Met before, and he is joined by Vaughan Marshall, Brett Crawford (now in partnership with son James), as well as raiders Sean Tarry and Aleca Laird, who have raised the trophy in the past.
Five of the jockeys riding in this year’s Met have won the race previously, including Grant van Niekerk and Richard Fourie who again team up with Justin Snaith.
Gavin Lerena, Aldo Domeyer and Piere Strydom are the other past winners.
1st R2968750, 2nd R950000, 3rd R475000, 4th R237500, 5th R118750, RCIS R250000
WORLD SPORTS BETTING CAPE TOWN MET (Grade 1)
Open to horses at Weight For Age
WFA: 3yrs-6kgs 4yrs-0.5kgs
No Apprentice / Female Sex Allowance
| 1 | 1 | Red Palace | 57 | 119 | A | Gavin Lerena | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 2 | 2 | Al Muthana (AUS) | 60 | 116 | A | Gareth Wright | Ricky Maingard | |
| 3 | 3 | Oriental Charm | 59.5 | 125 | A | Juan Paul v’d Merwe | BJ Crawford/JI Crawford | |
| 4 | 4 | Future Swing | 60 | 114 | A | Grant van Niekerk | Justin Snaith | |
| 5 | 5 | Atticus Finch | 60 | 121 | T A | Raymond Danielson | Alec Laird | |
| 6 | 6 | Litigation | 60 | 113 | TCA | Muzi Yeni | Sean Tarry | |
| 7 | 7 | Royal Aussie | 60 | 124 | A | Kabelo Matsunyane | Justin Snaith | |
| 8 | 8 | Pacaya | 60 | 116 | A | #Rachel Venniker | Justin Snaith | |
| 9 | 9 | Green With Envy | 59.5 | 127 | A | Craig Zackey | Dean Kannemeyer | |
| 10 | 10 | Eight On Eighteen | 54 | 115 | A | Richard Fourie | Justin Snaith | |
| 11 | 11 | Magic Verse | 59.5 | 114 | A | Aldo Domeyer | Justin Snaith | |
| 12 | 12 | See It Again | 60 | 131 | A | Piere Strydom | Michael Roberts | |
| 13 | 13 | Baratheon | 60 | 106 | A | Tristan Godden | Piet Botha | |
| 14 | 14 | Master Redoute | 60 | 117 | T A | Serino Moodley | Andre Nel | |
| 15 | 15 | Montien | 60 | 129 | A | Corne Orffer | Piet Botha | |
| 16 | 16 | Rascallion | 60 | 122 | BA | Sean Veale | Vaughan Marshall | |
| 17 | 17 | Zapatillas | 60 | 119 | A | Luyolo Mxothwa | BJ Crawford/JI Crawford | |
| Same Trainer | ||||||||
| (1,9) (3,17) (4,7,8,10,11) (13,15) | ||||||||
The fashion theme for 2025 is ‘Couture Unleashed.’
Attendees are encouraged to push boundaries and reimagine luxury by blending art, technology, and fashion in bold, innovative ways.
From avant-garde ensembles to unexpected couture designs, racegoers are invited to unleash their creativity and make a statement.
Tickets are available now via Quicket.
Gates open at 10h00 on the day and the festivities continue until 22h00. Please note, no one under 18 is allowed at the event.
Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, a fashion lover, or just looking for an incredible day out, the 2025 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met is an event you won’t want to miss.
