Kenilworth Racing have made a desperate plea to local stakeholders to support the racing programme or face drastic action.
In a letter signed by Phumelela CEO Rian du Plessis and Kenilworth Racing Chairman Chris Van Niekerk, connections are called upon to apply and commit themselves to running their horses.
It is with concern that we draw to your attention the fact that the number of runners per race in the Western Cape continues to show a decline, despite numerous appeals to you to support the local racing programme.
These statistics read as follows for the past three racing seasons :-
– 2012 / 2013 – average 13 declarations / 12 runners
– 2013 / 2014 – average 12 declarations / 11 runners
– 2014 / 2015 – average 11 declarations / 10 runners
We cannot emphasize enough the commercial requirement, from a betting turnover perspective, that we average 12 runners or more per race, particularly as we endeavour to turn the financial position of the Western Cape region around.
We therefore write to you in an appeal to assist us in reaching the desired minimum of 12 runners per race. We have already instructed the Racing Executive to adopt a strict approach towards trainers who do not comply with the minimum number of runners per box as required by Kenilworth Racing’s stabling policy.
Should this not have the desired effect, we may be forced to consider reducing the number of fixtures in the Western Cape and/or withholding a percentage of stakes paid out in races attracting less than, say, 8 runners.
These are not measures we would like to implement, but in the interests of making Kenilworth Racing financially viable going forward, we may have little choice but to do so.
You are also hereby invited to furnish us in writing with any suggestions you may have as to how otherwise we could address the matter. These proposals should be sent to Mr Clyde Basel, the Racing Executive.
