We are racing at Kenilworth tomorrow at the request of France Galop.
France commingles with TAB and is a significant contributor to TAB turnover in South Africa so “it is in the best interests of South African racing to accommodate their request”, a press release from National Racing Bureau manager Aveen Sewpersad read.
Eight races were to be run at the meeting. However, France has requested the number be increased so they can take South African racing early in the afternoon and in the evening. Ten races will now be held at the meeting.
The Vaal Classic meeting which was due to take place tomorrow was run today – and abandoned after the fourth race.
The other date change at the Cape is the 17 January Kenilworth meeting, which has been delayed a day.
Sewpersad’s release said: “While it was intended to stage a function to conduct the barrier draws of the 2018 Sun Met and other feature races on the day of Wednesday 17 January, it was decided to move the Kenilworth race meeting to Thursday 18 January to ensure all stakeholders are able to join us at the event.”
Declarations fall due on Monday 15 January and the 24-hour reprieve “will afford the sponsors enough time to invite the connections of the six declared feature races on the day to the afternoon (draw) function”.
There are some large time gaps between some of the races on Thursday in order to accommodate France’s requirements.
In order to keep everyone entertained during the gaps, Kenilworth Racing will be putting on Happy Hours and complimentary snacks in the Pocket Power Room. The Paddock Room will also have Happy Hours. There will be Win if You Lose draws in the Pocket Power Room and in the Concourse Betting area.
They will also pay a Night Allowance of R120/per runner for the races run after 18h00.
