Changes to Summer Cup fee structures

PHUMELELA MEDIA RELEASE

SUBJECT: Changes to Summer Cup fee structures

DATE: Thursday 15 September 2010

RELEASED BY: Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Limited


The first nominations for the R2-million Sansui Summer Cup (Grade 1) to be run at Turffontein on Saturday 27 November 2010 close on Monday 20 September at 11am and owners and trainers need to be aware of the revised entry/declaration dates and fees’ structure.
First entries are now free of charge (20 September) while second entry fee (1 November) is now R2,000 plus VAT instead of R4,000 plus VAT. The final entry (15 November) fee is R10,000 plus VAT instead of R6,000 plus VAT.
The final entry stage is clearly for any really late buy-ins as the date of final entry is now on the same day as final declarations.
The declaration fee has been increased from R10,000 plus VAT to R15,000 plus VAT. The barrier draw and final field announcement takes place unchanged on 16 November 2010.
"The purpose of these changes is to encourage trainers to enter their horses - and declare their hands at an early stage as to their Summer Cup hopes - at the first entry stage without incurring a fee,'' explained Patrick Davis, Racing Executive Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Ltd.
"The second entry stage is also less onerous than before, with the increase in fees applying to those that basically actually get a run for the R2-million stake."
The new move has been applauded by champion trainer Mike de Kock. ``I think it's the most innovative move in a while. It is something that favours owners and will create a lot of interest.
"This step by Phumelela and Patrick Davis is forward thinking. Trainers will put in horses they believe have potential without incurring huge costs.
``And to pay 1% to run in a R2-million race is a no-brainer, especially when you're paying prize money up to position eight,'' said De Kock