Summer Cup looks a real thriller

CONTEST: SOME OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY TO FIGHT IT OUT FOR R6 MILLION STAKE

- Muzi Yeni

Betway Summer Cup day, one of the biggest days on the SA calendar and undoubtedly the most important in Gauteng racing, has finally arrived! This year the sponsors Betway have once again taken the game to new heights by increasing the stake of this Grade 1 event to R6 million, making it the richest race on the continent.

On top of that, Betway will be giving the groom of each horse R20,000, an initiative they started last year and once again this must be setting the standard in SA horseracing. While there is some of the best horses in the country taking their place at the meeting, racing purists are also going to be fortunate enough to watch Oisin Murphy in action on the day.

Oisin will be riding Frances Ethel for the Brett Crawford stable, and anyone who follows overseas racing will know what a great jockey he is. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing how he goes on the day. Of course, last year's Summer Cup was one of my most memorable days when Royal Victory dominated the race and gave me the Grade 1 win for my very good friend and top trainer Nathan Kotzen.

Unfortunately, this year I'll be watching the race from the sidelines, and while it's a very bitter pill to swallow, I'd love to take the opportunity to thank 4Racing for engaging with me and offering me an opportunity to do some work on the day.

I'll be mingling with many of their partners, assisting and advising on whatever questions might be asked on the day, and although it doesn't come close to my riding the horse, it gives me some excitement on the day.

The entire day is jam-packed with some of the best racing this country can produce and with all the TAB carryovers and big pools, here's hoping I'll be able to guide you in the right direction to make a small fortune.

It would be great if our followers could make the effort to come to the racecourse, and if you do, I'm sure you'll have a superb day out, with many activities and much entertainment available.