Racing. It’s a Rush, will be the driving force behind the prestigious event on the racing calendar, the International Jockeys Challenge.
The International Jockeys Challenge will now have the force of Racing. It’s A Rush behind them to continue to form the corner stone of this event. International Jockeys Challenge will take place at Turffontein Race Course, in Johannesburg on 15 November and at Kenilworth, Cape Town on 16 November.
The jockeys will ride in four races at each event. The team that scores the most points wins the Challenge, but there are also awards for the top riders in each of the legs and the top rider overall. In the last six years, South Africa has won four times and the international team has won twice.
The challenge involves two teams taking each other on at two of the well-known race courses in South Africa. The formidable team of international jockeys will take on a six-man South African team.
Being rewarded for his top form and last season’s Champion Jockey of the Year, S’manga Khumalo will captain team South Africa. Affectionately known as “Bling”, Khumalo is the first black jockey to win this title and to captain the SA team.
Piere Strydom, rated as one of South Africa’s all-time top jockeys, is expected to ride his 5 000th winner later this year. Strydom describes the annual International Jockeys Challenge as “fantastic” and his favourite local event in which to compete.
Making up the remaining members of this talented local team are Richard Fourie, Muzi Yeni, also in good form and the ever-present Anthony Delpeche. A younger team of riders than in previous years make up the international team and includes James Doyle, the UK jockey who achieved four major wins this past year riding champion racehorse; and Kingman. Kingman, likely to be voted “Cartier Horse-of-the-Year” in December.
Other international team members include Martin Harley (Ireland), Adam Kirby (United Kingdom), Andreis Helfenbein (Germany) and Selim Kaya (Turkey). Gregory Benoist is the final member of the visiting team, as announced by CEO of the Racing Association, Larry Weinstein at the launch of the International Jockey Challenge.
“The International Jockeys Challenge is the perfect sponsorship opportunity for Racing. It’s a Rush as it aligns with what our brand is trying to achieve. This is a prestigious event which brings together the thrill of horse racing, great South African and world-wide talent, offering the public a wonderful day at the races,” said Michael Varney of Racing. It’s a Rush.
Details: 011 681 1702 or 021 700 1600.
