Heavy rains in Durban over the past 48 hours have forced the postponement of the Rising Sun Gold Challenge Racemeeting from Saturday 11 June to Monday 13 June, weather permitting.
In addition Gold Circle wishes to advise that a decision has been taken to bring forward the Kenilworth Racemeeting from Sunday 12 June to Saturday 11 June with the race times remaining unchanged. This decision has been made to ensure a better spread of racing over the weekend and to capitalise on the fact that Saturday is far and away the country’s most popular racing and betting day.
“Unseasonal rains have caused havoc for the Operators throughout the country this week,” said Gold Circle’s Racing Director Graeme Hawkins. “Already both the Vaal and Arlington Racemeetings were postponed by a day and, while the prospects of racing going ahead at Arlington tomorrow (Saturday) have improved significantly there obviously remains a chance that a turnaround in the weather could see that meeting threatened again,” he continued.
“Against that background, we have made the decision to bring Kenilworth forward, leaving Turffontein to stand alone on Sunday. Heavy rains over Kimberley have cast some doubt as to whether racing will take place there as scheduled, hence the decision to move Clairwood to Monday.”
“Given the importance of the Rising Sun Gold Challenge racemeeting, particularly with some horses still attempting to qualify for the Vodacom Durban July, we are committed to staging this meeting but given the immediate weather forecasts even Monday may not be achievable. In truth, the situation is very fluid and we will keep all stakeholders and racing fans updated with any further developments,” added Hawkins.
For clarification the following is in place:
Date Venue
Saturday, 11 June 2011 Arlington & Kenilworth
Sunday, 12 June 2011 Turffontein
Monday, 13 June 2011 Clairwood & Kimberley
