Ready for royal raceday

Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco has always been a lover of horses and to honour her support for horseracing this year’s Royal Raceday, presented by Princess Charlene, will be staged at Turffontein on Saturday 21 April.

In honour of her patronage, the R1-million Grade 1 HSH Princess Charlene Empress Club Stakes (Grade 1) for fillies and mares over 1600m will be run on the Standside track. In addition, and in recognition of her support for the “underdog”, Princess Charlene sponsors two Maiden Plates with massive prize money of R250,000 each. Both are run over 1400m and one is specifically for fillies and mares.

In order to ensure there is no favouritism with regard to the selection, the final field will be determined by a ballot-draw at an event in the presence of a stipendiary steward.

In another move to ensure the charitable tone of the day, the Racing Association has kindly agreed to donate the entry fees for this event to the Highveld Horsecare Unit.

Unfortunately, the Princess is not able to attend this year’s meeting due to prior commitments but has sent her good wishes.

There is an entrance fee of R50 per person but children under 12 are free, while kids over 12 can come in for half price.

There will be a “diamond drop” again this year with only 1,000 tickets up for sale at R150 each.

There are tables available in the Centenary Room at R280 a head, which includes entrance fee and a three-course buffet. Contact Candice Langley on candicel@phumelela.com or 076 791 4733.