WATCH: Charity Mile draw reveals runners paired with 20 beneficiary organisations
Racegoers stand a chance to win a branded 2026 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL, while 20 beneficiary organisations will receive donations through the Charity Mile.
The starting positions for 18 horses and one reserve runner were revealed on October 21, bringing participating organisations a step closer to race day.
4Racing hosted the barrier draw for the 2026 Grade 2 Allied Steelrode On A Mission Charity Mile in the Centenary Room at TAB Turffontein Racecourse.
Donations range from R140 000 for the charity paired with the winning horse to a minimum of R40 000 for the organisation represented by 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.
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. Both organisations will receive the minimum donation of R40 000.
Several charities with strong local community 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 9.
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 Children and Welfare.
The initiative has previously benefited organisations such as Epworth Children’s Home, the South African Riding for the Disabled Association, Thusanani Children’s Home and East Rand Children’s Haven.
Their involvement highlights the range of causes supported through the Charity Mile and the event’s contribution to local communities.
“Covid-19 taught us that there are more people in need than there are people giving,” said Allied Steelrode Group CEO Arun Chadha. “And it also taught us that there is more pleasure in giving than in receiving. This is the sixth year of the race and we are going on to even greater success.”
“We thank Allied Steelrode for its continued support of South African horseracing and its commitment to this very special initiative,” said 4Racing CEO Patrick 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.”
Charity Mile boasts a 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. 6
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 beyond the track.
