2026 Charity Mile to distribute R1m among 20 beneficiaries

4Racing hosted the barrier draw for the 2026 Grade 2 Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile at TAB Turffontein Racecourse on Wednesday, revealing the starting positions for the 18-horse field and one reserve runner.

Held in the Centenary Room, the draw brought the participating charities a step closer to race day, with R1m set to be distributed among 20 beneficiaries.

Donations range from R140 000 for the charity paired with the winning horse to a minimum of R40 000 for the charity paired with the last-placed runner.

The initiative will also offer an exciting prize for racegoers, with Allied Steelrode, in partnership with Suzuki South Africa, giving away a branded 2026 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL.

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Beneficiaries prepare for race day

Following 38 initial entries, the field was reduced to 18 runners and one reserve.

Immediate Edge, drawn at number 11, will serve as the reserve runner and represents St Francis Care Centre.

Joburg Child Welfare is the additional beneficiary not paired with a horse, with both organisations receiving the minimum donation of R40 000.

Several charities with strong local ties will also be represented in the field. Zinovi will run for Cotlands from barrier 14, Choisaanada will represent Door of Hope from barrier 12, and Pressonregardless will represent The Hamlet Foundation from barrier nine.

Other beneficiaries include Ubunye Foundation, Highveld Horse Care Unit, South African Riding for the Disabled Association, San Michele Home, Jicama 89, Thusanani Children’s Foundation, Epworth Children’s Village, Ekukhanyeni Relief Project, TAG Foundation, The House Group, East Rand Children’s Haven, St Laurence Children’s Haven, The Earth Centre, D.A.R.T.

Foundation and Thembisa Child and Welfare.

The initiative has previously benefited organisations such as Epworth Children’s Village, the South African Riding for the Disabled Association, Thusanani Children’s Foundation and East Rand Children’s Haven. Their involvement highlights the range of causes supported through the Charity Mile.

Allied Steelrode Group CEO Arun Chadha highlighted the importance of giving back.

“Covid taught us that there are more people in need than there are people giving, and it also taught us that there is more pleasure in giving than in receiving,” says Chadha. “This is the sixth year of the race and we are going on to ever-greater success.”

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4Racing CEO Patrick Duff thanked the sponsor for its continued commitment to the sport and the charitable initiative.

“We thank Allied Steelrode for its continued support of South African horseracing and its commitment to this very special initiative,” says Duff. “The Charity Mile demonstrates the positive difference our sport can make in local communities, and we look forward to another memorable day of racing and giving back.”

Rich history

The Grade 2 race, which offers R1m in stakes, has a rich history in South African horseracing.

Originally run as the Germiston November at Gosforth Park, it moved to Newmarket in 2002 before finding its current home at Turffontein in 2007.

Its honour roll includes renowned South African racehorses Foveros and Wolf Power. The latter famously won consecutive renewals in 1982 and 1983.

Leading global steel manufacturer Allied Steelrode became the race sponsor in 2021. That year marked the beginning of back-to-back victories for Bingwa, who emulated Wolf Power’s achievement while doing so under two different trainers and jockeys.

Bingwa was followed by 2022 Summer Cup winner Puerto Manzano, 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July champion Winchester Mansion and 2024 Betway Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch.
With 20 charities set to benefit, the Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile once again brings horseracing and community support together, demonstrating how the sport can make a meaningful difference.