Betting World Derby and Oaks open to all ages

Gold Circle has announced that the Betting World Derby and the Betting World Oaks will henceforth be open to all ages at weight-for-age terms.

"With the main focus of the three year olds during Champions Season being the KRA Guineas', The Daily News 2000, the Woolavington Stakes and obviously the Vodacom Durban July, the Derby and Oaks have been downgraded over the years and have struggled to find a consistent place in the programme," said Racing and Marketing Executive Graeme Hawkins.

"There is International precedent, such as the Irish St Leger and the Yorkshire Oaks, to vary the terms and conditions of some of the "traditional" Classics and we are of the firm view that the quality and depth of both races will be enhanced by throwing them open to all ages," said Hawkins.

"In addition, there are no weight-for-age races in South Africa over the distance and the overall programme for stayers will benefit from the change. The Graded Races sub-committee had no reservations about endorsing the move," he added.

The R400 000 Betting World Derby and R300 000 Betting World Oaks will be run over 2500m at Clairwood on Sunday, 15 June 2014

Excellent move. More quality horses will be nominated.

It's probably my upbringing but I don't fancy the bastardized changes of the Oaks and Derby for older than 3 yr olds, but I guess we must change with the time

An old purist

Won`t this make it even harder to get a run in the July?

Huh :S

It's not the 1st of April yet, is it : I always thought Derby = 3 yr old male and Oaks = 3 yr old female - how can the races be 'open to all age groups' - they'd have to change the names then :S :S

Just one thing Frodo, the Derby is also open to 3 yr old filles but not the other way, so much for equal rites

as an aside I would love GC and Phum to assign some form of points system for qualifying for the July as with only 16 runners I think the arguments are already starting about who will get in.

Can geldings run in the Derby ?

I don't think so Bob, sure colts and fillies

hibernia Wrote:

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> Can geldings run in the Derby ?


yes they can and do - Master Plan was a gelding etc

I think Bob meant the real Derby? One and a half miles at Epson

Nope.

Geldings not allowed at the Epsom Derby.

scotia Wrote:

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> I think Bob meant the real Derby? One and a half
> miles at Epson