The chase is on for the tough Summer Cup trophy

TURFFONTEIN Racecourse will be a hive of activity when the Grade 1 Gauteng Chris Gerber Summer Cup, brought to you by Bidvest, attracts horse-racing fans from all over the country to come and watch the toughest 2 000m race on the continent.

The Gauteng Summer Cup will draw to a close at Turffontein Racecourse on November 30. Gates will open at 11am, with ample parking for all the spectators.

This year’s Gauteng Summer Cup will be fought out between the top field of 20 racing horses and their jockeys.

What makes the race noteworthy is that after the barrier there is a 600m straight that the horses run, preventing those who were drawn wide from being caught on the turn.

But the real test comes afterwards when they go into the bend with a 12m climb at 1 400m, and then comes the home straight with 800m to run.

The R2-million Grade 1 race is the ultimate race of speed and stamina.

The final log for the Gauteng Summer Cup was released with only one major change.

Green Haze, runner-up to Soqrat in the Grade 3 Victory Moon Stakes last week, has moved into 18th spot. Mike de Kock said that Soqrat, who tops the log, will run in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and the Sun Met, and that he will not run in the Gauteng Summer Cup.

Winner of the Charity Mile, Barahin, is at the top of the log and will be taking his place in this R2-million race.

The Gauteng Summer Cup is Joburg’s oldest race day. It has been running since 1897, just one year after gold was discovered in Turffontein.

It is the fastest-growing race day in the country. This year, dozens of tents will be packed with thousands of people, many of whom are newly converted racing fans.

This makes it the ideal destination for corporate year-ends, as there is a wide variety of hospitality to choose from.

As Joburg’s biggest race day, there are a whopping 12 races on the day, featuring the best runners from around the country. The Gauteng Summer Cup title is a coup for the winner.

The Gauteng Summer Cup is the only race day to feature a half-time show. Just before the main race, 300 performers take over the track and wow the crowds with a 20-minute show. This year the half-time show will be headlined by Freshlyground.

Another highlight of the Gauteng Summer Cup is its silent disco, where racegoers can party the afternoon and night away without the music interrupting the races.

The Gauteng Summer Cup is the only major race day to welcome children. There will be a dedicated Family Zone and a carnival, complete with a Ferris wheel, for the children.

The Gauteng Summer Cup is a highlight on Joburg’s sartorial calendar, and fashionistas look forward to dressing up in their finest to vie for the coveted Best Dressed title.

Visitors are also treated to roving fashion shows and splendid displays of #SummerChic outfits.

Tickets are available via Webtickets. The Gauteng Summer Cup general ticket is R85 and this will give you access to Turffontein Racecourse. U-18s pay R20.