GEARED UP for Charity
October which initially looked like it could be a slighty quieter than normal month, ended up another impressive month for our team, delivering five more winners. Some older horses stepped up and we could not have asked for anything more.
Among these was 5-year-old KARANGETANG (Erupt (IRE) – La Revere). We were convinced this talented group winner at 2 had another win in him, so seeing him step into the winner’s circle felt incredibly rewarding. It was made even more memorable by a brilliant first-time ride from Rachel Venniker, who showcased her skill and connection with KARANGETANG in a performance that brought home the victory.
Additionally, we saw a thrilling back-to-back winning performance from NETTLETON under Piere Strydom, who delivered two winners for us this month, with NETTLETON and SO SEDUCTIVE both crossing the line in style. Gavin Lerena is back and also provided two exciting wins with CHESTNUT BOMBER and HAPPY MO, whose combined efforts brought us to our 15th winner of the season. Total Runs: 88, Places: 48, Stakes: R1,518,138. Thanks to all our stable owners, your support and trust mean the world to us!
With OCTOBER under the belt, we are Setting Our Sights on SATURDAY’s Charity Mile, where BARBARESCO is set to compete in the R1 Million OnAMission Charity Mile (Grade 2) at Turffontein Racecourse.
This prestigious event pairs 16 runners with 19 deserving charities, each hoping to secure a win not just for the stable, but also for a good cause. We’re thrilled to be going for an exciting possibly third consecutive Charity Mile victory, having claimed the title with BINGWA in 2022 – ECH and PUERTO MANZANO in 2023 – SARDA Centre, both expertly ridden by Gavin Lerena. This year, BARBARESCO is poised to defend the title once more in the absence of our legendary goat PUERTO MANZANO, and we’re happy to be paired with Epworth Children’s Home, the same charity we supported in our 2022 Charity Mile victory.
BARBARESCO will carry 60 kg and has drawn a respectable 12 position. With jockey Gavin Lerena back in the saddle, his preference for settling at the back, and having a third run after a rest, we’re optimistic about a decent performance. The top prize will see the winner bag R625k and R100k going to the winning horse’s charity, with a guaranteed R30,000 minimum for all other charities – a significant increase from last year’s R20,000.
The Charity Mile’s rich tradition continues to grow, with 4Racing and Allied Steelrode bringing together a full day of competition, community support, and racing excitement. Alongside the main event, the day will feature several other stakes, on a 10-race programme six races on the day are features. Allied Steelrode have three supporting features Race 8 – Allied Steelrode Gr3 Yellowwood Handicap, Race 4 – Allied Steelrode Listed Golden Loom Handicap and Race 9 – Allied Steelrode Listed Java Stakes. Also on the card is Race 6 – Betway Gr3 Graham Beck Stakes and Race 5 – HSH Princess Charlene Gr3 Starling Stakes.
In addition to BARBARESCO, we have a fantastic lineup of other carded runners ready to showcase their power on race day:
STREWN SKY(3) – Richard Fourie
CHYAVANA(4) – Serino Moodley
CLIFF HANGER(4) – Piere Strydom
COSMIC STAR(4) – Muzi Yeni
RED BOMBER(4) – Craig Zackey
SHELDON(4) – Gavin Lerena
SALENIO PENINSULA(5) – ……
A heartfelt thanks to ARUN and his Allied Steelrode team, 4Racing, and Betway for hosting this meaningful event, and to all who support the participating charities. Let’s make this year’s Charity Day unforgettable!
Join us on November 2 at Turffontein, and don’t miss the excitement of BARBARESCO’s run for Epworth Children’s Home. Here’s to a day of racing for a great cause!