French Navy ready to fire broadside

The countdown has started to the Gauteng Sansui Summer Cup at Turffontein in Johannesburg – one of the biggest horse racing events on the South African calendar.

The race is on November 28, when thoroughbreds fight it out for a share of the R2 million stake. Last year’s race was dominated by the Geoff Woodruff stable, with the trainer saddling the first two past the post.

Louis the King edged out stablemate Killua Castle in a close finish. The final field for the 2015 race has yet to be whittled down to 20 but, at this stage, it is likely that two-time Grade One winner French Navy will battle it out with a number of raiders from Cape Town trainers Justin Snaith and Joey Ramsden.

Durban July winner Power King is another entrant likely to attract some interest in the betting market, should he make the cut. The final field will be announced on November 18.

The race “makes a positive impact to the total outcome of the sport of horse racing and to the Gauteng economy in general”, said Clyde Basel, racing executive for Phumelela, at yesterday’s media launch.

“It’s great to see the growth over the past five years with the consistent support from our sponsors.

“We’re hoping to get 20 000 people through the gates, based on the target from last year. We’re aiming to make this the greatest sporting event in Jozi.”

This year, organisers have added to the entertainment offering with Cassper Nyovest, Goldfish and MiCasa – three of South Africa’s biggest names in music – all set to perform.

“We are looking at setting a new benchmark because we have some super entertainment lined up,” Basel added.