Racecourse to host international challenge

Racing/It’s a Rush, the integrated brand launched in August, which now represents South African horseracing, is the new title sponsor of the prestigious International Jockeys Challenge, taking place at Turffontein, in Johannesburg South, on November 15.

The event sees a formidable team of international jockeys take on the South African team.

Captaining team South Africa this year is S’manga Khumalo, last season’s Champion Jockey of the Year.

Known affectionately as “Bling”, Khumalo is the first black jockey to win this title.

Also included in this talented local team is Piere Strydom, rated one of South Africa’s all-time top jockeys.

He 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 and Anthony Delpech.

A younger team of riders than in previous years make up the international team which includes James Doyle, the UK jockey who achieved four major wins this past year, riding champion racehorse Kingman.

Kingman is likely to be voted “Cartier Horse-of-the-Year” in December, the highest award for horses in European Horse Racing.

Other international team members are Martin Harley (Ireland), Adam Kirby (United Kingdom), Andreas Helfenbein (Germany) and Selim Kaya (Turkey).

Doyle is the captain of the international team.

“The International Jockeys Challenge is the perfect sponsorship opportunity for racing.

“This is a prestigious event which brings together the thrill of horseracing and great South African and worldwide talent and offers the public a wonderful day at the races,” said Michael Varney of Racing/It’s a Rush.

Entrance to the event is free and, besides the enthralling international racing, there will also be food stalls, entertainment for the children and much more.

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.

Support your South African team and see some of the world’s best jockeys first hand.

For more information call 011 681-1702.