The 2023 Betway Summer Cup take places on Saturday at the Turffontein Racecourse, south of Johannesburg.
The city’s hottest and richest horseracing is among sought-after events on the Joburg social and events calendar. Beyond horses and betting, the event provides a fantastic, fun day for the outdoors lovers. The Summer Cup effectively kickstarts the entertainment programme for the festive season.
Horseracing operators 4Racing and global betting company, Betway, have upped the stakes considerably by doubling last year’s prize money to a whopping R5-million for this historic race. Twenty of the country’s finest throughbreds will compete for the grand prize on the big day.
Steeped in history, the Betway Summer Cup has brought together Joburg’s communities since its inception in 1887. Crowds from all corners of the city and beyond flock to Turffontein to experience the excitement of world-class thoroughbred horseracing.
Aside from the racing, there is plenty of entertainment, great food and drink, a kiddies play area for the young ones and a Half Time show.
The Betway Summer Cup is the only horseracing event with a dedicated Half Time show ahead of the main race. This year the entertainment slot is sure to sizzle with hitmakers DJ Zinhle and Lady Du picked to thrill.
The pair will perform for both Half Time Show and the After Party at the racecource.
Joburg’s top socialites are also set to walk the event’s red carpet on the day, dressed by the likes of top Joburg fashion house Excelsior Lusso.
Joburg Tourism Company are also major event partners and will host a “Joburg Summer Fashion Market”. Up to 20 of Joburg’s top fashion and lifestyle SMMEs are set to exhibit their wares on the day.
Who to look out for on the track
A total of 10 high-energy races are scheduled throughout the day. The main race, the 2023 Betway Summer Cup, starts at 15h35.
Soweto’s own world-class jockey Kabelo Matsunyane from Meadowlands will be riding Winchester Mansion in the main race. They are seeking a major double this year after claiming the famous Durban July.
Defending champion Puerto Manzano, Bless My Stars, Cousin Casey, Anfields Rocket and Bingwa are also horses to look out for in the main race.
