Turffontein Racecourse is one of the oldest racecourses in South Africa, located in Turffontein, a southern residential area in Johannesburg. The thoroughbred horse-racing course is managed by Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Limited. It is known to hold various prestigious racing events, including the November Summer Cup and the South African Derby.
The racecourse features two grass tracks and is widely accepted as one of the most challenging tracks due to a steady climb of the track from the 1200m up to the finish line. It is also renowned for hosting various musical events and festivals.
Turffontein Racecourse history
Turffontein Racecourse was established in 1887 by the Johannesburg Turf Club and is regarded as one of the oldest horse racing venues in the country. The racecourse’s history can be traced back to the Gold Rush in 1886.
During that period, horse racing had gained the status of a popular sport among the elite members of the society and individuals who had moved to Johannesburg and settled in the area to try their luck and stake a claim to the region’s newfound wealth from the gold. Thus Turffontein Racecourse was formed to satisfy the resident’s newly developed love and enthusiasm for the sport.
Owing to its rich and interesting history, Turffontein Racecourse was declared a heritage site in July 2016 by the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation. The Blue Plaque reflecting its status as a heritage site is displayed outside the racecourse’s main entrance.
Currently, the racecourse is not only a renowned heritage site; it also serves as one of the main horse training centres in the country. The facility houses around 700 horses that receive training every morning at the racecourse.
Turffontein Racecourse Facilities
When the Newmarket Racecourse, Johannesburg, was sold to local entrepreneurs in 2007, Turffontein Racecourse was developed into a night racing venue so that races could be held regardless of the time of the day.
Over the years, the racecourse has undergone numerous revamping projects. These include the addition of floodlights, the inauguration of a new sports bar, and the replenishment of the facilities on the trackside. Set in the Johannesburg suburbs, it offers a splendid view of the Johannesburg skyline.
Special effort was put into installing the floodlights and their support structures. These stand-alone structures have been made durable enough to support the lights and endure harsh weather conditions.
Turffontein racecourse features two racing tracks that have a mutual back straight. The inside track on Turffontein racecourse is an oval-shaped turf track with a 2500m. The track has a run-in of around 500m. It rises at 10m from the 1400m mark to the 500m. Races run in a clockwise direction on the inside track.
The second Stand side track at the racecourse is also a turf track with a circumference of 2700m and a run-in of around 800m. Races on the stand side track run on a straight course for around 1200m. After the 1200m mark, the race takes a clockwise round turn with a run-in of 800m. Like the inside track, the stand-side track also rises 12m from the 1600m mark to the 800m mark.
The rise in the tracks till the final turn makes Turffontein racecourse one of the most challenging racing circuits in South Africa, and a race held on the tracks is regarded as a true test of strength and determination.
The racecourse also features nine conference rooms, which are ideal for various types of events. Whether an official meeting between two or three people or a large gathering of 600 people, these venues can cater to all kinds of events. An in-house team also offers catering so the attendees can enjoy a meal while viewing the race.
One such facility featured at the site is the Elevation Room. The venue has a seating capacity of 350 people and features a bar, a lounge area, and a balcony. It offers some of the most splendid views of the racing tracks. The Elevation Room is reserved for members only, where people can enjoy fine dining while enjoying a match or attending an event.
You can find a wide variety of cuisine at the racecourse, including fast food or refined cuisine, from the formal restaurants at the venue. The racecourse is child-friendly and features a kids’ play area, where people can leave their kids as they enjoy the race.
Turffontein Racecourse hosts around 70 racing events a season, the most prominent being the Summer Cup and the South African Derby. With plenty of good food options and easy access to the racecourse, a day the races can be a lot of fun at Turffontein Racecourse.
Access to the racecourse is free except for special race days. Spectators can sit in the outside public seating areas or the indoor exclusive seating area by paying a certain fee.
The Summer Cup At Turffontein Racecourse
The Summer Cup is one of the most prominent grade 1 thoroughbred horse races held at Turffontein Racecourse. The race is held at the end of November or the beginning of December every year.
Who won The Turffontein Summer Cup in 2021?
The Turffontein Summer Cup 2021 took place on the 27th of November, and Flying Carpet won the race.
Who won The Turffontein Summer Cup in 2022?
Puerto Manzano was the winner of the 2022 Summer Cup held at Turffontein Racecourse in Johannesburg, South Africa. The horse was trained by Johan J. Vuuren and ridden by jockey K. De Melo. The race took place on November 26, 2022, and Puerto Manzano emerged as the winner, beating out a field of 18 runners to claim the victory.
Where can I find Turffontein horse tips?
If you are looking for Turffontein horse racing tips, there are a variety of resources available online that can provide you with valuable information and insights. One option is to search for dedicated websites and forums that are focused specifically on Turffontein horse racing, and can provide you with detailed information on the latest races, horses, and betting odds.
These sites may offer free Turffontein racing tips, or may require a subscription or payment for access to premium content. Some of these websites may also provide analysis and predictions from professional tipsters who specialize in Turffontein horse racing.
Another option is to consult with professional horse betting tipsters who offer their services through dedicated websites or social media channels. These tipsters can provide you with expert advice and recommendations based on their extensive knowledge and experience in the industry.
In addition, you can also review Turffontein past performance data to help inform your betting decisions. Many online horse racing platforms and betting sites provide access to detailed race results and performance data for past races at Turffontein, which can help you identify trends and patterns in horse and jockey performance.
Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to Turffontein horse racing, there are a variety of resources available to help you make informed and successful bets on upcoming races. By staying up-to-date with the latest news and trends in the industry, and by consulting with expert tipsters and resources, you can increase your chances of success and achieve long-term profitability in your horse racing betting activities.