The Emerald Cup, AfricaΓÇÖs richest race on sand, celebrates its seventh year of existence in September ΓÇô and this yearΓÇÖs event promises to be the best yet.
The Emerald Cup, a festival of racing that culminates in the race of the same name, is hosted by the Emerald Resort & Casino, Phumelela and the Racing Association.
It has grown since its inception into one of South AfricaΓÇÖs premier horse racing events, drawing thousands of spectators, and is unique in that it is the only racing event in the country that is specifically family-oriented.
The festival is preceded on Thursday, September 23, by a Racing Association golf day, as well as a World Series of Poker Africa Celebrity Poker Tournament for charity at the Emerald Resort & Casino.
Racing commences at the adjacent Vaal Racecourse with the traditional Little Hamptons Race Day on Friday, September 24, and the Emerald Cup Race Day on Saturday, September 25.
The actual 1 450m, Grade 2 Emerald Cup race, which with prize money of R660 000 is the richest horse race to be run on sand in Africa, draws the cream of South AfricaΓÇÖs trainers, jockeys and thoroughbreds. This year will be no exception, and punters can look forward to an exciting tussle for top honours.
Apart from all the thrilling action, spectators will be treated to live music performances, a childrenΓÇÖs entertainment area, guest artists and celebrities, on-course competitions with great prizes, glamorous fashion shows, the popular Mr and Miss Emerald Cup pageant, picnic sites and a beer garden, among other attractions.
In addition, the Emerald Cup weekend will be preceded by a special SMS competition, in which entrants stand to win a Chevrolet Spark 1.0 LS worth R98 000, a Zambian grass-green emerald worth R35 000, or a luxury weekend for two at the Emerald Resort & Casino worth R15 000. The competition will be run in conjunction with The Citizen newspaper between August 2 and September 10. The winners will be announced at the racecourse on Saturday, September 25.
ΓÇ£We have seen the Emerald Cup go from strength to strength since we launched the event in 2004, and it has become the leading family-focused event on the South African racing calendar ΓÇô not to mention one of the most eagerly-anticipated annual occasions in the Vaal Triangle,ΓÇ¥ says Emerald Resort & Casino CEO Martin Rice.
ΓÇ£I donΓÇÖt think anyone anticipated how popular the Emerald Cup would become, and so rapidly at that ΓÇô but then, the first-class entertainment and top-flight racing on offer is certainly a winning combination. ThereΓÇÖs something for everyone, and itΓÇÖs a fun day out that is not to be missed under any circumstances.ΓÇ¥
Entrance to the Emerald Cup is free.
News source: Citizen