See how former race horses strut their stuff

VEREENIGING. – It’s a Rush (The Sport of Racing) welcomes World Sports Betting as new sponsors of The Grade 3 August Stakes meeting at the Vaal Race Course on August 29.
The World Sports Betting August Stakes is the place to be for sports horse lovers as it will include the second installment of the Racing To Jump innovation, which made a hugely successful debut at Turffontein in May.
The meeting will place the emphasis on the horse and the remarkable relationships they have with their riders. In horse-racing and show jumping the communication between horse and rider is so subtle that it appears to be almost telepathic and to some extent it certainly is. Equine sports enthusiasts never tire of watching them together in action.
Meanwhile, the most common sentiment among the partakers is that every day they learn something new about the horses they train or ride. It is little wonder they invariably devote their lives to these most beautiful and fascinating creatures. Of all sports horse-breeds, the thoroughbred is the most versatile and the August Stakes meeting will also serve as a reminder that plenty of life is left for racehorses after they have been retired.
Brett Webber, chairman of the OFS Show Jumping Association, has been the show organizer of the Racing To Jump series. “The inaugural Turffontein event proved hugely popular with over 200 people booking tables on the Deck and many more on the stands and surrounds. The Show Jumping Community supported the event and all the comments were positive.
“Many of the horses were ex-racehorses who have transitioned into jumpers and thus secured safe homes after retiring. For many of the spectators it was the first time they had attended a race meeting.
The event also gave positive insight into the lives of some thoroughbreds after they leave the training yard. The Vaal Racecourse has never before staged an event of this nature and we anticipate a strong attendance, especially as it coincides with the August Stakes. The Vaal is perfect for jumping as it has a huge jumping area coupled with a 30cm sand base, which suits our discipline,” said Webber.
Indeed, sports horses have always brought people together for a fun day out and the Racing To Jump series will unite different branches of this extended family.
There are a number of ex-racehorses among the growing list of entries for the ten-event program. These include The Entertainer, Nacht Musiek, Charlie’s Island and Military Band.
Catering will be undertaken by Isiswe Hospitality and there will also be a Craft Market showcasing local traders.
The event will start at 10:00 and finish at around 16:00. The Market will open from about 08:00. For table booking (R175 per person and a 4-course meal) and inquiries including sponsorship, contact 079 830 0660 or 07 193 05961 or send an email to racingtojump@gmail.com.