In a media release published on Wednesday 28 May, 4Racing announced its continued support of the horse racing industry through owner and trainer incentives in the Highveld and in Gqeberha regions.
4Racing – Trainer Incentive Program
4Racing announced the continuation of its Trainer Incentive Program, running from June 2025 through to February 2026.
This is following the strong positive response from participants over the past year.
The program returns with improved incentives to further support and reward the essential role of trainers in the industry.
Trainers will be eligible to earn a fee of up to R15 000 per month, either as a direct payment or as a credit toward stable rental costs.
Qualifying criteria:
For trainers to qualify for the monthly incentive they must:
- Reach a monthly runner target set by 4Racing (to be communicated directly to each trainer),
- Field 90% of their runners across the 4Racing calendar (Highveld and/ or Gqeberha), excluding all Black Type races (Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, and Listed events)
“Over the last year, the Trainer Incentive Program has been well received. We are proud to continue to support the training professionals who are key members of our racing industry.” said Gabriel Soma, Head of Racing Operations at 4Racing.
4Racing – Raider Trainer Incentive Program
Trainers who do not occupy stables in 4Racing regions will be classified as ‘Raiders’. Raider trainers will receive R1 000 per runner across the 4Racing calendar (Highveld and/ or Gqeberha), capped at R15 000 per month.
4Racing – Visitor Travel Incentive Program
To broaden participation in feature races, 4Racing will subsidise transport costs for non-4Racing region based trainers’ horses in Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 races.
Transport subsidies will be paid directly to transportation companies. Trainers can get in touch with Gabriel Soma for more information.
This incentive program reflects 4Racing’s ongoing commitment to promoting a competitive, inclusive and well-supported racing environment.
More details will be shared directly with trainers.
4Racing – Owner Incentive Program
In addition, 4Racing has introduced an Owner Incentive Program, which will run from June 2025 through to February 2026.
As part of this program, owners will receive R1 000 per runner competing at either Highveld or Gqeberha race meetings. This excludes horses that finish first or last in a race that they participate in. Payments will be made directly to trainers at the end of each month.
“We are thrilled to launch this Owner Incentive Program, which recognises the vital role that owners play in sustaining and growing the sport,” said Gabriel Soma, Head of Racing Operations at 4Racing.”
Stakeholders will note that each race’s stakes breakdown will reflect the Owner and Trainer Incentive programs.
In addition to the considerable direct additional funding from 4Racing, the Incentive Programs will be funded through a deduction, as has become practice in other jurisdictions, with 5% of the gross stakes fund allocated directly to the programs. The remaining 95% will be distributed proportionately, as per the standard prize money allocation.
These programs provide financial support to owners and trainers and reflects 4Racing’s continued efforts to build a thriving and inclusive racing ecosystem.
Any future changes, and/ or new innovative programs, will be communicated accordingly.
