Racingassociation website over 2 months ago (21 July) proudly stated :
"Turffontein night racing gets final go-ahead
NIGHT racing at Johannesburg’s Turffontein racecourse has been given the final go-ahead.
The first night meeting might take place as soon as October, and it is hoped that there will be some night races at the Summer Cup meeting in late November.
Despite an earlier announcement that floodlighting would be installed at Turffontein, the economic downturn and escalating costs of equipment cast doubt on whether the plans would be implemented.
But now the board of Phumelela has committed itself firmly to night racing and has instructed its management team to press ahead urgently with installation of lighting for the track and the public areas.
Racing Association chairman Larry Wainstein said the organisation enthusiastically welcomed the Phumelela decision, which opens up an exciting new racing option on the Highveld.
Referring to concerns about the effect of strong lights and the racing hubbub on horses stabled at Turffontein, Wainstein said every precaution would be taken to ensure their welfare.
“The horses will always be paramount. If we find we have to take extra measures to protect them, we’ll take those measures. The horse comes first,” he said.
RA CEO Clyde Basel said he greatly appreciated Phumelela’s commitment to alleviating the problem of too few races for the racehorse population on the Highveld. Following the closure of Newmarket and Bloemfontein racecourses, there has been a notable congestion of horses, with owners battling to find appropriate races and to secure places in starting line-ups.
“A third meeting on the Highveld every week in summer will be wonderful,” said Basel. “At present we are looking at staging the extra meetings on Tuesdays, which seems to be a good night that doesn’t clash with other regular activities and fits in well with corporate timetables.”
Work has already started on upgrading the paving and lighting in the Turffontein parking areas. New parking area booms and security spikes will also be installed to maximise the safety of racegoers.
Work will also start soon on the much-anticipated new parade ring in the front of the grandstand, and it is hoped this will also be operational by Summer Cup day.
The current parade ring will be maintained for the time being – as a “pre-parade” walking area – and horses will be taken from it on a special new walkway leading beneath the grandstand and out to the new trackside ring.
“We believe this will create a close, intimate atmosphere, drawing all racegoers in to the excitement of the races,” said Basel. “I have to say that we are pretty excited about it all.”
He added that the timing of the first night meeting was “in the hands of the contractors” handling the floodlighting. The work could take between three and six months, but unforeseen hitches might mean a lengthier timeframe.
However, even if just the Turffontein straight could be fully illuminated by Summer Cup day it would allow some evening sprint races to be held – and possibly even a full 12-race programme along the lines of Vodacom Durban July day at Greyville.
Phumelela anticipates the annual summer season of night racing to run from November through to April each year."
On the 28th August the RA website contained news about the work starting on the parade ring (but no mention of the lights - which was noted here on ABC).
Enquiries directed at RA by RA member(s) about the (non?) lights have been ignored.
Enquiries on various racing websites have apparently also been ignored.
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