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Racing Venues

Turffontein

Only a few minutes from Johannesburg city centre, there are two grass tracks at Turffontein. The Standside Track is an oval grass track with a 2800m circumference. All races over 800m, 1000m and 1200m are run on the straight course, which joins the oval circuit at about the 800m mark. Races beyond 1200m are run clockwise round the turn. The track rises sharply on the final bend from the 1400m mark to the 800m mark, making it the most testing racecourse in the country. Starting stall draws are on no account in races down the straight. Low numbers are slightly favoured in races round the turn, particularly over 1400m and to a lesser extent over 1600m. The existing track at Turffontein is regarded as the fairest racecourse in South Africa. The Inside Track is inside the existing track. All races are run round the turn, which is cambered and not as steep on the final bend as the existing track. According to a Phumelela spokesman, the draw will not be at all important on the second grass track.

Kenilworth

Kenilworth Racecourse is the country’s oldest racecourse and enjoys a special place in the history and tradition of South African horseracing.

The course was established and races commenced for the first time in 1881. Nestled in Kenilworth, Cape Town, this gorgeous course is a favourite with locals and foreigners alike. Kenilworth Racecourse offers great hospitality with its stylish lounge settings, first class bar and food vendors – all against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain.

Vaal

VAAL CLASSIC

Turf. 2800m oval track. Races up to 1000m straight course; beyond 1000m clockwise round turn with 1000m run-in. Draw: Low-number draws favoured over 1200m and 1450m.

VAAL TURF

Turf. 3000m oval circuit. Races up to 1600m straight course; beyond 1600m clockwise round turn with 1000m run-in. Outside and Inside tracks. Outside Track comprises outside half of 1600m straight course only. Inside Track comprises inside half of 1600m straight course and the turn joins the straight course at the 1000m mark. Inside Track has longest circumference, run-in and straight course in SA. Draw: Low-number draws slightly favoured in 1700m races.

Durbanville

Situated in Cape Town’s beautiful suburb of Durbanville amid wine estates and nature reserves, Durbanville Racecourse is one of only two racecourses in the Western Cape. The course offers a relaxed environment. Durbanville Racecourse ground floor can comfortably accommodate up to 120 guests and features a braai area, a fully stocked bar and kitchen facilities..

A day at the races in Durbanville is a wonderful way to enjoy being outside in the natural greenery Cape Town is renowned for. The racecourse is noted for neighbouring the Durbanville Nature Reserve, a 6-hectare piece of protected land that is host to about 130 species of plants, three of which exist only in Cape Town and 10 that are threatened with extinction.

Fairview

The track: Turf.
2700m near oval.
Races up to 1200m straight course; beyond 1200m clockwise round turn with 800m run-in.
High-number draws best in races down the straight (mostly downhill); low numbers favoured over 1400m and 1600m.