4Racing Introduces Stakes Increase and Exciting New Trainer Incentives and Venue

 


4Racing Introduces Stakes Increase and Exciting New Trainer Incentives and Venue Upgrades


Johannesburg, 17 April 2024– As part of 4Racing’s commitment to enhancing the horse racing experience, we are proud to announce an increase in stakes, trainer incentives, an exciting fixture calendar, and facility upgrades.

The horse racing operator will introduce an 8% increase in stakes, bringing the overall stakes pot for the period to an impressive R177 million. Maintaining its position as a leader in this regard, 4Racing offers the largest stakes pot in the country, attracting top talent and ensuring thrilling racing for all.

With 122 scheduled fixtures for the Highveld and 66 for Gqeberha, 4Racing guarantees the largest opportunity to highlight the best of South African horse racing.

To reward the dedication and talent of trainers on the Highveld and Gqeberha, 4Racing is set to introduce an attractive incentives program. Trainers can earn between R15,000 to R35,000 per month, with a minimum guarantee of R15,000. From May 2024 to February 2025. Trainers who produce 90% of their monthly runners across the 4Racing program (Highveld or Gqeberha) excluding Grade 1, 2, and 3 runners, will be eligible for the incentives.

Should a trainer produce 90% of his runners on the Highveld or Gqerbha during the months May 2024, June 2024 and July 2024, the trainer will receive a payment of R25,000 per month into their account subject to meeting a runner per box criteria which will be communicated.

Should a trainer produce 90% of his runners on the Highveld or Gqerbha during the period August 2024 to February 2025, the trainer will receive a payment of R15,000 per month into their account subject to meeting a runner per box criteria which will be communicated.

“Recognising the invaluable contribution of trainers, 4Racing is committed to providing additional support and subsidies to further incentivise participation. Trainers who meet specific criteria will receive substantial discounts on stable rentals, encouraging a supportive environment for their operations. The subsidy program for Raiders will also ensure decent compensation and support for trainers bringing horses to race with the people’s operator,” said Gabriel Soma, 4Racing Head of Operations

With a continuing commitment to offering their stakeholders unmatched opportunities and rewards, this program offers a range of benefits to trainers.

Additional Incentives for Resident Trainers:

• Trainers reaching 7 runners per box per year will receive an additional R10,000 per month off their stable rental for that yard.
• Trainers reaching 6 runners per box per year will receive an additional R7,500 per month off their stable rental for that yard.
• Trainers reaching 5 runners per box per year will receive an additional R5,000 per month off their stable rental for that yard.
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• E.g. A trainer that has a stable of 20 boxes will receive R120,000 at the end of the year off his stable rental should that yard produce 140 runners.

 Raider Trainer Incentives:

• Trainers achieving 1-5 runners per month across the 4Racing jurisdictions will receive R10,000 for that month.
• Trainers achieving 6-10 runners per month across the 4Racing jurisdictions will receive R20,000 per month for that month.
• Trainers achieving 12 or more runners per month across the 4Racing jurisdictions will receive R30,000 per month for that month.

Visitor Travel Incentives: 4Racing will pay

• R1,000 towards the transport of any runners in a normal race.
• R5,000 towards the transport for listed race runners.
• R10,000 towards the transport for Grade 2+3 runners.
• R30,000 towards the transport for Grade 1 runners.

4Racing would also like to announce upgrades to all three of its venues. Turffontein Racecourse, the Vaal Racecourse and Fairview Racecourse in Gqeberha will undergo renovation to ensure the best possible racing experience for all stakeholders. “As 4Racing strives to enrich the ownership experience, we are currently working on additional incentives aimed at benefiting owners, with further details to be announced in due course”, said Gabriel Soma, 4Racing Head of Operations.

Who decides whose tracks and training centres are best? Sure the management at Summervelt will have had a giggle at the above

4Racing Stakes Increase Details

Johannesburg, 25 April 2024 – Following on the announcement last week regarding an increase in overall stakes to R177 million, 4Racing would like to provide all stakeholders with more details for the upcoming season. 4Racing are proud to maintain their position as leaders in this regard, offering the largest stakes pot in the country, attracting top talent and ensuring thrilling racing for all.

“In our continuing efforts to enrich the ownership experience, we are proud to announce more details pertaining to our winter period racing as well as the start of the Trainer and Raider incentives during the May – September period,” said Gabriel Soma, 4Racing Head of Operations.

Although the stakes pot increased by 8%, for the year, 4Racing have allocated a higher percentage during this May – September (winter) period, as they were working off a low base. The stakes for the winter period have been increased by 11,5% (R4 million) – increasing the total available stakes from R34 million to R38 million. This is a positive stride for all involved and lays a good foundation for next year.

The above increase does not compromise the funds available for the summer period, which is already starting off a much higher base, leaving a decent amount for this period.

4Racing are confident they have created a balanced program for the May to September period to cater for all Highveld horses. “Additionally, we will offer, on average, two race meetings per month to cater for horses rated 66 and below,” said Gabriel Soma.

‘In further exciting news, we have amended the feature race program to add interest to the winter months. We will be implementing an inaugural three-year-old winter series- comprising the Secretariat Stakes on 12 May, the Egoli Mile on 9 June (Jubilee Stakes Day) and the Sea Cottage Stakes on 7 July. Any horse able to win all three legs of the series will take home a R500k bonus. The trainer and raider incentives will kick off on the 1 May 2024.”

“We include an illustration of the overall increase from 2023 to 2024 below, with majority of the divisions receiving a decent percentage increase,” he concluded.