Racing earlier to dodge thunderstorms

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