When spring officially dawns with its abundant promise on 1 September 2023, Cape Racing will introduce seasonally fitting stakes increases for the benefit of its loyal stakeholders.
Prize money for races will be meaningfully increased at all levels of competition.
The Cape Racing Summer Season kicks off in November and is the benefactor of the most substantial increases.
Chase Liebenberg captured the racing action in Summer
These increases range from a rise of R20,000 for a Maiden Plate (from R100,000 to R120,000) to R25,000 for a Class 4 Handicap (from R110,000 to R135,000) to R35,000 for a Class A Stakes race (from R150,000 to R185,000).
Careful consideration was given to fairness and balance across the range of divisions – the principle being: that there is an economically viable place for all horses of all strengths in the Cape.
The traditional “off-season” period, run between September and October, also benefits from notable prize money increases.
The team at Cape Racing is looking forward to hosting the majority of this period at Hollywoodbets Durbanville, as the construction and rebuild of Hollywoodbets Kenilworth continues to take place.
Racing is scheduled to return to headquarters on October 21st, 2023.
Overall, in terms of percentage, prize monies in the Western Cape have increased across the full spectrum of races by between 50% and 125% since the takeover of Cape Racing in October 2022.
Owners and trainers have praised this latest boost in the line of significant advancements implemented by Cape Racing as crucial to progress.
Leading owner Marsh Shirtliff commented:
“Some of us race for fun, and not for the money, but that doesn’t mean we don’t feel the impact of costs increases. We’ve seen feed and transport, to name but two costs, skyrocket in the last year. Extra prize money is simply very good for racing in our region.”
Longstanding owner Marsh Shirtliff – it’s more fun when the stakes are good (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Trainer Greg Ennion said the increases were “quite amazing” and added:
“I’ve had my best buying year in many years due to the first increases, and now I anticipate even better for myself and other small stables. These increases also fit in well with Cape Racing’s syndication initiatives.”
Ron Caris, who holds shares of different values in 14 horses spread across the country counts himself a member of the ‘smaller’ owners group. Caris believes the increased stakes for Maiden Plates (up between 50 and 70% since 2022) and the good prizes affixed to restricted Maiden Plates, will be of particular value.
He commented:
“It’s fair to say that smaller owners invariably race the cheaper and often lesser competitive horses, and hence have most of their interest in the Maiden Plates. The stakes increase at Maiden level is welcomed because it gives individuals who own horses bought in the R50,000 – R100,000 bracket a better chance of recovering at least a part or perhaps even all of their initial outlay. This will keep us coming back for more!”
New stakes have Snaith smiling! (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Trainer Justin Snaith was enthusiastic in his praise for the new stakes.
“For the first time in racing history, the stakes per race in the Western Cape are the highest in the Country, by quite a margin, following the new stakes increases. This is going to benefit not only owners, but grooms, trainers and jockeys alike. The ripple effect will be felt across the entire industry. We will witness increased investment as a result of these increases, which will also benefit breeders and, ultimately, the horse population. The energy at Cape Racing is infectious and can be felt by all stakeholders in the province. Thank you to Greg Bortz and Hollywoodbets for their considerable contribution to the sport.”
‘Prize money is lifeblood’ – Justin Vermaak
Justin Vermaak, Racing and Bloodstock Executive for Cape Racing, said that prize money is the lifeblood of racing, which serves as the catalyst for increased owner investment.
“We have seen the direct impact on yearling prices over the past year. Once again, Cape Racing is raising stakes to attract the best horses, owners, trainers and jockeys to compete in Cape Town.”
He added: “Along with the increases in these minor race stake levels, we will see big hikes on feature races throughout the season. These will be finalised in August after our Graded Races Committee meeting. Stakeholders can expect similar significant increases to boost the features calendar.”
Greg Bortz, the Chairman of Cape Racing added:
“It is our goal to keep innovating and to keep trying new ways to stimulate our sport. This will improve the livelihood of all those who rely on horseracing, from the grooms to the trainers to the jockeys to our employees and to all other service providers and stakeholders. We recognise that the horse owner sits at the epicentre of our ecosystem. Without owners, we have no horses with which to race. It was Ralph Marston who said “what you do today can improve all your tomorrows”. We are certainly putting that theory to the test! Bottom line – we are looking forward to a fantastic summer. We look forward to welcoming owners and horses from around the country to our shores. Space is going to be limited, so we encourage those seeking to race here in the summer to start making plans!”
- Media release by Cape Racing on Thursday 27 July 2023
