The Sun Met celebrated with G.H.MUMM, together with the other feature races that make up Africa’s richest raceday at Kenilworth this coming Saturday, will this year once again be simulcast in Hong Kong.
Dean Sawarjith
South African racing is becoming increasingly popular with Hong Kong punters – so much so that Sun Met day will be televised live there for the second year running.
Dean Sawarjith, Executive, International Operations at Phumelela, says the interest in South Africa from the Hong Kong racing fraternity is definitely on the up.
“Last year Hong Kong took six races from South Africa on Met Day,” says Sawarjith.
“This year they are taking an extra race.”
According to Sawarjith there should be an even bigger interest in the Sun Met, with last year’s winning jockey, Grant van Niekerk, now plying his trade in Hong Kong together with Callan Murray.
Van Niekerk in fact rode four winners on Sun Met Day 2018, winning the headline race on Oh Susanna, the CTS 1200 on Dutch Philip, the Klawervlei Majorca Sakes with Snowdance and the card opener on Platinum Class.
“On the back of the success last year, it is a vote of confidence in South African racing that Hong Kong has decided to increase the number of races broadcast this year.”
Key to the South African feature races being broadcast abroad is the fact that races take place timeously.
Clyde Basel
Clyde Basel, racing executive at Phumelela, says all the local role players have stepped up to the plate to ensure there are no unnecessary delays in racing.
“South African racing does not happen in isolation. We are part of the global racing village and have to ensure races are run on time.
“In this regard I want to thank trainers, jockeys, grooms, owners and all other stakeholders for ensuring we maintain the high standard expected on the international arena,” says Basel.
Saturday’s features which will be broadcast in Hong Kong are:
Race 4: The CTS 1200 (Non-Black Type) For 3-year-old Horses. Stakes: R5 000 000
Race 5: The CTS 1600 (Non-Black Type) For 3-year-old Horses. Stakes: R5 000 000
Race 6: The Betting World Cape Flying Championship (Grade 1) 1000m. Open to horses at weight for age. Stakes: R1 000 000
Race 7: The G-Bets Cape Derby (Grade 1) 2000m. For 3-year-olds. Stakes: R1 000 000
Race 8: The Bidvest Majorca Stakes (Grade 1) 1600m. For Fillies and Mares at weight for age. Stakes: R1 000 000.
Race 9: The Sun Met celebrated with G.H.MUMM (Grade 1) 2000m. Open to horses at weight for age. Stakes: 5 000 000.
Race 10: The New Turf Carriers Stayers (Grade 2) 2800m. Stakes: R400 000.
