GOLD  is the symbol of ultimate achievement among the best of the best and the pinnacle of success where quality and character come together.

It is the symbol that epitomises the annual Golden Horse Casino Raceday at Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg where the best of South Africa’s speed horses gather for the sprinting showdown of the year in four Grade 1 clashes over 1 200m each carrying a stake of approximately R500 000. 

From the precocious two-year-olds that are eager to make an early mark in the Gold Reef Resorts Medallion and the Allan Robertson Championship, to the hardened and accomplished campaigners in the South African Fillies Sprint and the country’s premier speed event, the Golden Horse Casino Sprint – only the very best are there. 

Fashion plays an important part in the day’s events. (Gold Circle).

They come from all corners of the country in a bid to prove their worth and lift the coveted titles with the rolls of honour featuring the names of the finest sprinters ever to grace the racing turf. 

Golden Horse Casino Sprint Raceday has been the heart of thoroughbred sprinting for almost 50 years with the Golden Horse Casino Sprint first run in 1962. It was the first sponsored race in KwaZulu-Natal when run as the Gilbey’s Stakes and soon established itself as the premier sprint handicap in the country.  

With the world growing ever smaller South African horses have gone on to achieve world wide recognition.  2010 Golden Horse Casino Sprint winner, JJ The Jet Plane, is one such thoroughbred who is currently flying the South African flag high on the international stage. 

Since 2002 this great race has been staged under the banner of the Golden Horse Casino which has embraced the occasion with unstinting support, helping to consolidate the meeting as the most important festival of speed on the African continent. 

With the early success of the premier sprint, the inaugural running of the Gold Reef Resorts Medallion, originally the Smirnoff Sprint, followed in 1963 and the Allan Robertson Championship, initially run as the Breeders Champion Fillies Stakes, was staged a year later. 

The Natal Fillies Sprint was first run in 1971 and was upgraded in 1984 when it became the South African Fillies Sprint. It sealed the status of the Golden Horse Casino Raceday, the only meeting in the country with an official Jackpot of Grade 1 races, as the ultimate challenge for sprinting thoroughbreds in South Africa. 

Saturday, 28 May 2011, is a date to diarise for this year’s exciting event.  It’s a day that the entire family can enjoy.  Mom and Dad will be entertained with the horseracing and the extensive fashion line-up, whilst the children will have a full day’s programme of entertainment made available just for them.

For restaurant facilities available on the day contact Val on 033 345 3405.