A Pietermaritzburg-based Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge player selected ten of the twelve winners on Saturday’s WSB Met day card in the chase for the massive R10 million prize on offer.
The ever popular free-to-enter competition is held on all KwaZulu-Natal racemeetings. For the second year running players were given a golden opportunity to win big on the Cape’s flagship day.
Players had the chance to win their share of over R10 Million in prize money, which was to be shared by the player/s who selected the winner of all twelves races on the bumper card.
Cape Town welcomes hero Kommetdieding (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
A must-be-won total of R200 000 was also offered for the top 50 achievers, with the top ranker on the day’s leaderboard receiving R100 000. The balance of the R100 000 was shared amongst the 49 top finishers.
So there were many happy winners, with the 25 year old Jashwin18 banking the lion’s share first prize of R100 000.
Speaking to the Sporting Post on Sunday, the unmarried Pietermaritzburg businessman said he was thrilled to win and lauded Hollywoodbets for hosting what was a great stimulant for racing.
“Nothing in life is free – but here is a free bet to have some fun and a genuine chance to win big. I hope the rest of the industry is watching and learning how to market racing. The game is under pressure as we all know, and we need all the enthusiasm and support we can get,” said the man who found ten of the 12 winners on Met day.
“The fact and reality is that all the winners are in the card. It takes many hours of studying and watching replays. And I must be honest, I don’t listen to tips. My selections are my own. So when I lose I merely look in the mirror and move on.”
See all the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge finishers here
Jashwin18’s family own the building in Pietermaritzburg which houses the popular landmark of Dukwah’s Sporting Club.
The happy winner says he commenced punting 5 years ago when he started earning his own money.
“My Dad was always my inspiration as he loves racing. And I prefer the horses to sports or the casino. There is form to go on – that’s important!”
He made an interesting point that both Met winner Kommetdieding and the outstanding Captain’s Ransom were horses that he had previously always played to lose.
“But I felt that all factors considered, they were the right ones yesterday and they duly won like the champions that they are.”
His only two selections that did not win on Saturday were Grant van Niekerk’s mounts Rio Querari and Izapha.
“We had a really great day. We caught the Pick 6 too and backed a good few winners. Had Rio Querari run third instead of fourth, I would have won 160 Place Accumulators. I do realise it would have paid less, but we won’t get stuck on hard luck stories! If only we could have more days like Saturday!’
We noticed that Jashwin18 finished the day selecting Warm Welcome in the last.
“I liked her as I watched the replay and she did not start well last time. I thought if she gets away on terms, she could be a factor. We were sitting watching the race together with a few guys, and I said after 50m that it was race over!”
Asked what he intends doing with the R100 000 windfall, Jashwin18 was philosophically frank.
“I will enjoy it but will probably give it all back. We love the game, so it’s all good!” he laughed.
The Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge continues on Monday at the Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting – off time of the first is 12h25 and the progressive jackpot prize stands at R1 275 000.
Please read more about the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge here.
