Randjies dream alive again

THE Racing Association has a particular vision and that is to change, restructure and reinvent within the Racing Industry.

The establishment of a new Operator in the Gauteng region raises an opportunity for a fresh start and to develop the sport of Racing further through more exposure to a larger, more diverse audience and through increased entertainment value.

This renewed interest in the sport will grow the number of participants and ultimately the return back into Racing.

The RA Board has invested in a preliminary design and budget assessment for the redevelopment of Randjesfontein into a fully functional racecourse.

Randjesfontein Training Centre is strategically located in the heart of Gauteng and opens up the populated northern area of the region. The property is close to a major motorway and to Gautrain access.

The zoning allows for full racecourse development and the multipurpose usage of related assets on the property. It is secure and embedded within the Randjesfontein Estate.

The development proposal has been prepared by a selected professional consultant team headed up by our project development manager, Ms Judith Smith. The team includes an architect, quantity surveyor, civil and structural engineers, electrical experts, track design experts and digital product specialists.

The key design and development requirements include getting people closer to the horses, to synthesize the drama of the Sport of Horseracing with the suburbanite’s desire for outdoor living and to leave a light footprint. The design calls for the use of containerised and prefab solutions integrated into a landscaped and pedestrianised multifunctional precinct.

A state-of-the-art digital product is to be integrated into the design and the aim is to be carbon neutral.

The provisional racecourse budget including the building costs, track upgrades, development costs and professional fees amount to approximately R 87 Million. The timelines, on the assumption that the existing design team continue to work on the project, is approximately 9 months and this includes the track widening and grass establishment, the importation and installation of the running rails and starting stalls, general construction, fitout and commissioning. – RA Newsletter.

Has always made sense in theory, however I think it will remain an impossible dream

Maybe MOD will fund it? Sure a boutique track will be right up their alley

A wonderful idea and fully behind any plans for Randjies.

If not mistaken one of the stumbling stones was the power cables?

However its a superb venue for racing.

I read this with great interest and then decided to study a bit of form. Herewith are my findings.

Initial survey Quote R100 000 Final Bill R1m

Initial Project R25m
Final Bill R150m
Mismanagement Enquiry Lawyers Cost R20m
Stakes Loan (look above all money gone) R100m
Interest on Stakes Loan PCM R100k
Wages to run new racecourse Per Annum R5m
Course layout ( grass/poly) Quote R15m Final Bill R50m

Bankrupt before it starts or within the 1st year for sure

on a serious note I could not think of anything more pathetic than turning Ranjies into a new racecourse under todays racing climate.

I would rather invest 25% of that money into Flamingo Park build new stables and close down turfs or Vaal.

I would then focus on racing at flamingo 4 days a week and sell those pictures to all and sundry.

I would incentivise trainers to move there with huge rebates and stakes.

Over time I would lay a turf track.

BUT being a keyboard warrior means I know nothing.


The Randjies idea is stupid.

I do not claim to know any of the 'Kimberley people' - but with all due respect, why would anyone want to race there - closing down Turffies and Vaal - really ?

Because its simple SA racing is worth ZERO to SA people

The money lies with selling the product.

You cannot race at Turfies 3 or 4 times a week and certainly not at the Vaal.

ever wondered why USA tracks do relatively well......they sell the feed for desperados all over the world to bet on.

The math is quite simple really.

You can have a R400k pick 6 at Flamingo and nett R30k after expenses

Or a 10 am meeting and nett R100k from selling pictures to the UK....

I agree selling the picture is what brings in the money - just not sure that the solution is to sell the Flamingo Park picture - we are racing every day of the week - without Flamingo :dry:

yep at a loss

Frodo wrote: I agree selling the picture is what brings in the money - just not sure that the solution is to sell the Flamingo Park picture - we are racing every day of the week - without Flamingo :dry:

Remember we also have to buy the picture....

and Frodo ( you say we race 7 days a week its not enough) here is the craziest idea of all. KZN has more nominations than anyone else and the perfect climate and infrastructure for the following.

How come KZN the progressive racing centre of SA does not have racing 6 times a week?

How come we cannot race at Scottsville on a Monday on the inner course from 1130 to 1500 and then at Greyville (turf)from 1600 to 2100? (2x)

Then a break on Tuesday.


Wednesday Greyville or Scottsville (x1)

Thursday Break

Friday Scottsville outer then Greyville Poly (x2)

Saturday break

Sunday Scottsville (inner) or Greyville Poly

or

4 Poly meetings

1 Greyville Turf Meeting

1 Scottsville inner or outer?