Horses, celebs, charities make for perfect day on the track
The NEWS' racehorse was Full Mast, trained by Mike and Adam Azzie and ridden by Karl Zechner.
Thundering hooves and cheers were the order of the day as horses, charity representatives, celebrities and media houses came together at Turffontein Racecourse on November 3.
The occasion was the Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile.
The day saw 16 racehorses partnered with 16 charities, 16 celebrities and 16 media houses.
Charity organisations were definitely the big winners on the day as there was R1-million in prize money to be shared among the charities.
The money was shared as follows: first place received R150 000, second place R100 000, third and fourth places R75 000 and fifth through to 16th place R50 000 each.
The excitement was palpable as celebrities filled the parade ring while the horses on which their hopes were pinned walked around before jockeys mounted and went out on the track.
The NEWS was partnered with the charity, Grade R Programme, and cruiserweight boxer Kevin Lerena, as our celebrity.
Lerena turned professional in 2011 and in 2017 defeated Youri Kayembre Kalenga to claim the International Boxing Organization (IBO) Cruiserweight World Championship belt.
The NEWS’ racehorse was Full Mast, a beautiful four-year-old gelding, owned by Stewart and Sarah Murray.
Full Mast is trained by Mike and Adam Azzie and was ridden by Karl Zechner.
He did not win but still ensured a R50 000 cheque towards the Grade R Programme.
As the horses galloped down the track and the sound of thundering hooves filled the air, it was Coral Fever that took the win in a photo finish.
His jockey, Muzi Yeni, was jubilant as was his charity, Khangezile Primary School, celebrity Pallance Dladla and media partner Sunday World Online.
Second place went to Tilbury Fort, partnered with Welamlambo Primary School, celebrity Thandy Matlaila and media partner Kempton Express.
Third spot went to Doosra, partnered with Nalibali, celebrity Nhlanhla Nciza and media partner Sowetan Newspaper.
Fourth place was awarded to Arctica, partnered with Thembimfundo Primary School, celebrity Aaron Mokoena and media partner Phakaaathi.
