4Racing welcomes the Topbet Spring Challenge

The Highveld racing season kicked into full gear this past weekend with the Spring Spree Stakes as a build-up to the Topbet Spring Challenge on October 1.

4Racing kicked off the season with a spring in its step at the country’s flagship Turffontein racecourse on September 3 with the Spring Spree Stakes.

It welcomed new sponsors, with a renewed focus on the digital and on-course punter experience.

To celebrate the start of the season, there was an R1m Pick six carryover for the Spring Spree Stakes for TAB customers, with the pool expected to reach R5m.

“Topbet has come on board as sponsors of the Topbet Spring Challenge this year and will kick off their partnership by sponsoring the Spring Spree Stakes. A listed 1 200m handicap event with an R175 000 stake aimed at the sprinters looking to progress to the graded division during the season,” explained Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO.

The 2021 winner was the Roy Magner-trained, Vaseem, and the son of Vercingetorix was back to defend his crown this past weekend.

The other feature on the day was The Lady’s Stakes, a non-black type handicap for R150 000. Last year’s winner was Paul Peter’s talented Big Burn, one of last season’s most consistent fillies.

Sithebe said for on-course punters, the popular ‘Furious Room’ punters lounge will reopen from September 3, with free entrance to all on-course punters.

“After the Spring Spree Stakes, it’s full speed ahead to a Spring Carnival of racing and the Topbet Spring Challenge on October 1 with its family fun day theme and several on-course activities for young and old,” she said.

Fundi Sithebe, 4Racing CEO, said they are very excited about the spring racing season and happy to welcome Topbet on board as their newest sponsors in partnering with them to kick off the season.

“We love the energy and enthusiasm of the Topbet team and their passion and commitment to supporting us in reigniting a fantastic on-course experience. The fun day concept is an exciting one and we look forward to a great build-up to the Topbet Spring Challenge and a wonderful race day,” she said.

She said they are also excited about the reopening of the Furious Room, which punters have long been calling for, and which will greatly enhance the Turffontein on-course experience.

“Topbet is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the horseracing Industry, which has given us as bookmakers so much over the years. We have a great love for animals and sport. Topbet as a company is supportive of 4Racing’s vision of reviving the sport we love, and in making it better than ever before,” said Kevin Pillay, Topbet’s horse racing and data manager.

He said they cannot wait for their race day, and that hopefully, this is the first of many Topbet Race days to come.
The Topbet Spring Challenge will have a family picnic area, a kiddies play area with face painting, shows and pony rides. It will also have food stalls and market-style vendors, craft beer and gin bars, as well as DJs and live entertainment.

All Turffontein grooms on the day will receive a Topbet goodie bag on what will be a festive, fun inclusive day at the races.

Spring Challenge Day

Sithebe said the Highveld Feature season will be well underway and the Spring Carnival will start in earnest with the headline Topbet Spring Challenge Day at Turffontein.

“Topbet will sponsor two features on the day, both prominent in the calendar as they are two Group 2 events and form an excellent lead-up into future races during the season, culminating in some of the runners aiming for Summer Cup glory,” she said.

According to Sithebe, the R400 000 Topbet Spring Challenge and the R300 000 Topbet Spring Fillies and Mare Challenge are both Grade two events at weight for age with penalties.

“Last year’s events were both won by Champion Trainer Paul Peter’s runners, which set the tone for his record-breaking championship-winning season. “This day also involves two Bloodstock SA Yearling Sales Races for fillies and colts or geldings. These restricted events are both non-black type and worth R400 000 each,” she said.