This Friday’s R130 000 Listed Ibhayi Stakes over 1400m at Arlington launches the Eastern Cape Sophomore Challenge for 2013.
The local triple crown will test versatility and ability and is run from 1400m to 2400m. It will take a special horse to clinch the series, and this Friday’s first leg has attracted a smart field of ten, including Cape visitor Albert Mooney, who will be partnered by Piere Strydom for Justin Snaith.
R850 000 has been set aside for this exciting series of three races for three-year-old horses. Known as the R850 000 Eastern Cape Sophomore Challenge and with total stake monies of R600 000 on offer, a Challenge bonus of R250 000 will also be paid to the winning connections, should a horse win all three races.
The second leg is the R 125 000 Listed East Cape Guineas run over 1600 metres at Fairview on 5 Apri. The series culminates with the final leg the R350 000 Gr3 East Cape Derby Powered by Recall Security run over 2400m at Fairview on 12 May. As an added incentive, horses that participate in the first and second legs will be given free entry and acceptance to run in the third leg. Phumelela has confirmed that there will be no consolation bonus paid in this series.
If won, the Challenge bonus of R250 000 will be shared between the connections of the successful horse on the following basis:-
- Owner 75%
- Trainer 10%
- Jockey 7,5%
- Breeder 7,0%
- Groom 0,5%
Should there be more than one owner, trainer, jockey or groom associated with the horse over the period of the Challenge, the bonus will be shared proportionately. Should a horse win all three races, a prestigious trophy will be given to the owner in further recognition of this magnificent achievement. Miniatures will also be presented to the successful trainer, jockey and breeder.
