Avatar photo

By Mike Moon

Horse racing correspondent


Racing earlier to dodge thunderstorms

The trial will begin with the race meeting at the Vaal on Thursday, with the first race going off at 11am and the ninth and last race at 15.35pm.


Racing operator Phumelela is going to trial earlier starting times for race meetings on the Highveld during summer with a view to reducing the number of races cancelled because of seasonal late-afternoon thunderstorms in the region.

The impact on TAB pools of race meetings starting and finishing earlier will be carefully monitored during the trial period to ascertain whether such timeframes suit the needs of TAB customers.

The trial will begin with the race meeting at the Vaal on Thursday 18 November. The first race will go off at 11am with the ninth and last race at 15.35pm, after which TAB will operate betting pools on races in the UK and at Meydan in Dubai. – Phumelela

Read more on these topics

Horse News horse racing news

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.