Sponsors for Triple series
NEW DEAL: WILGERBOSDRIFT, WSB COME TO THE PARTY Sponsorships to boost prize money
Wilgerbosdrift and World Sports Betting (WSB) will this season be sponsoring the most prestigious racing series for three-year-olds in Africa – the Triple Tiara for fillies, and the Triple Crown for colts and geldings respectively.
While Wilgerbosdrift has sponsored the SA Triple Tiara since 2015, it is the first time that WSB has endeavoured to sponsor the Triple Crown.
“World Sports Betting stepped up to the plate at short notice to sponsor the Gauteng Summer Cup last November and on behalf of Phumelela and horseracing I would like to express my gratitude to them for doing so again with the SA Triple Crown,” said Phumelela Racing Executive Patrick Davis.
The Triple Crown and Triple Tiara series is undoubtedly the ultimate test for three-year-olds, with three races contested over 1600m, 1800m and 2450m respectively.
As usual, there are alternate first legs to both series, with one being run in Cape Town and the other at Turffontein.
The final two legs of both series will be run at Turffontein.
The Cape leg of the Triple Tiara was run last December and won by Captain’s Ransom, while the Cape leg of the Triple Crown – the Cape Guineas - was won by Russian Rock.
“The generous sponsorship offers a very welcome incentive for owners, trainers and jockeys in these trying times,” added Davis
A bonus of R2-million will be paid to the connections of a horse winning the Triple Crown while a Triple Tiara winner will earn a bonus of R1-million.
Only three horses have won the Triple Crown - the mighty Horse Chestnut, who many rank the best horse in South African racing history, won the inaugural event in 1999, Louis The King banked the bonus in 2014 and Abashiri repeated the feat in 2016.
Likewise, only three fillies have been crowned Triple Tiara winners. Igugu was the first filly to succeed in 2011 followed by Cherry On The Top in 2013 and Summer Pudding last year.
The three Turffontein legs of the 2021 Wilgerbosdrift SA Triple Tiara and Triple Crown will be run on Saturday 6 February, Saturday 6 March and Saturday 3 April respectively.