Charity Mile returns to Turffontein with R1m prize pool

The prestigious R1m Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile race is back and ready to make a difference at Turffontein Racecourse on October 28.

A total of 21 charities will participate in and benefit from a race day that promises plenty of excitement, competition and giving back.

Stakes for this year’s Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile have increased from last year’s R800 000 to R1m for one of the most eagerly anticipated race days on the Highveld horseracing calendar.

Last year, the 4Racing and Allied Steelrode partnership benefitted 16 charities, partnered with the 16 horses in the Grade 2 race over 1 600m on the Standside track at Turffontein.

This year, they raised the bar, as they added five more charities as guaranteed beneficiaries, with generous sponsorship from global steel manufacturer Allied Steelrode.

The barrier draw for the Charity Mile takes place on October 20 at 11:30, when the 16 horses competing in the race will be paired with the beneficiary charities. The charity paired with the winning horse on the day will receive R100 000, while each charity paired with horses in the final field of 16 horses is guaranteed to receive at least R20 000.

Betway has also come on board to sponsor the Grade 3 Graham Beck Stakes, ensuring stakes for this race increase from R250 000 to R400 000 this year, further contributing to the value and prestige of the day.

Stakes for the Grade 3 Starling Stakes on Charity Mile Day have also increased from R200 000 to R250 000, while stakes for the Listed Golden Loom Handicap and Java Stakes have increased from R175 000 to R225 000.

4Racing CEO Fundi Sithebe said they are thrilled to partner with Allied Steelrode for another heartwarming Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile race day.

“Our hope is this race becomes a beacon of hope and a symbol of what can be achieved when we join hands in pursuit of a common goal and a good cause. By combining our passion for horseracing with our dedication to making a difference in our communities, we will be able to achieve meaningful results for charities that do invaluable work within our society,” said Sithebe.

According to Arun Chadha, CEO of Allied Steelrode, they have witnessed the transformative power of partnerships for the betterment of society.

“It is not about contributing financially but about igniting a collective spirit of making a difference in our communities. We are looking forward to engaging with all the charities on the day, and hope this Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile will continue to thrive, with more exciting racing and more charities participating in the future,” said Chadha.

In its third rendition renewal, the Allied Steelrode on A Mission Charity Mile is steeped in rich racing tradition. Having been previously known as the November Handicap, it is a highly competitive race day that will provide important pointers in the lead-up to the 2023 Betway Summer Cup at Turffontein on 25 November.

The beneficiary charities are: Angel Baby Care, Cotlands, Door of Hope, Ekukhanyeni ECD, Earth Centre, Epworth Children’s Home, Highveld Horse Care Unit, Jicama 89, Joburg Child Welfare, Little Rose Centre, San Michele, SARDA Centre, Soweto Equestrian Centre, St Francis Care, TAG Foundation, Tembisa Child Welfare, The Hamlet School, Thusanani Children’s Foundation, The House Group, Ubunye Community/Buffalo Kloof and Legacy Children’s Home.

Those who cannot make it to Turffontein Racecourse can catch the racing action live on Racing240 on DStv Channel 240 and can cash in their bets at www.tab4racing.com.

For hospitality enquiries and bookings contact Khaya Langa at KhanyaL@4Racing.com or 076 7342 421.