Quantum Theory takes the Betway Spring Spree Stakes on a spectacular day of horse racing

As South Africans transition from winter into the vibrant energy of spring, horse racing enthusiasts and families gathered for a day of spectacular racing at the Turffontein Racecourse, on September 2.

The Betway Spring Spree Stakes, hosted by horse racing operator 4Racing, in partnership with Betway, marked an electrifying start to the horse racing season and set the tone for an unforgettable 13-part series of races leading up to the much-anticipated R5m 2023 Betway Summer Cup.

The Betway Spring Spree Stakes, the listed 1 200m race, kicked off the Highveld feature race season with an increased prize of R250 000.

At the halfway point of the race, it became clear that two horses were the frontrunners for honours, ‘Quantum Theory’, ridden by the jockey S’manga Khumalo, and ‘Sheldon’, ridden by Gavin Lerena.

The two horses were neck and neck and matched each other stride for stride. In the end, Khumalo and Quantum Theory emerged victorious in the season’s first big feature race.

Another highlight of the race day, the Non-Black Type Betway Lady’s Stakes, which is a 1 200m featured race with an R175 000 prize, provided a nail-biting spectacle as Craig Zackey and Miss Daisy pushed their limits to claim victory.

4Racing head of racing operations, Gabriel Soma said, “We are excited to have started this season with a successful racing event backed by strong sponsorship from Betway. The Betway Spring Spree Stakes provided a day filled with entertainment for all ages at Turffontein. The anticipation is building to the Betway Summer Cup, and we are looking forward to an exciting spring season.”

Next up in the feature race season is the Betway Joburg Spring Challenge on October 7 at Turffontein Racecourse as the momentum and excitement rise in the world of horse racing.

A list of the winners on the Betway Spring Spree Stakes race day:

Race 1: Betway Back the Boks Maiden Plate 1 450m

Horse: King’s Ransom

Jockey: Gavin Lerena

Race 2: Betway Tote Rewards Club Novice Handicap 1 600m

Horse: King’s Express

Jockey: S’manga Khumalo

Race 3: Betway Aviator FM 85 Handicap (F & M) 1 500m

Horse: On the Horizon

Jockey: Richard Fourie

Race 4: Betway Get Way More Mr 96 Handicap (F & M) 1 800m

Horse: Twin Turbo

Jockey: S’manga Khumalo

Race 5: Betway Boost Mr 75 Handicap 1 800m

Horse: Trois Trois Quatre

Jockey: Juan Paul van der Merwe

Race 6: Betway the Lady’s Stakes 1 200m

Horse: Miss Daisy

Jockey: Craig Zackey

Race 7: Betway Spring Spree Stakes (Listed) 1 200m

Horse: Quantum Theory

Jockey: S’manga Khumalo

Race 8: Betway Insurebet Graduation Plate 1 000m

Horse: Ready to Charge

Jockey: Muzi Yeni

Race 9: Betway We Pay Your Tax on Horse Racing Wins Middle Stakes 1 000m

Horse: Captain Hindsight

Jockey: Chase Maujean

Race 10: Betway Money Back Boost Fm 80 Handicap (F & M) 1 000m

Horse: Golden Sickle

Jockey: Trent Mayhew