A NUMBER of sponsors have jumped on board in support of Champions Day, the third and final leg of the prestigious SASCOC Triple Crown racing series.

Held at Turffontein Racecourse Saturday 27 April, it is Africa’s richest race day and includes the running of the much anticipated R1.5-million SA Derby (the culmination of the Triple Crown series) as well as the third leg of the Triple Tiara racing series, the SA Oaks, among the highlights.

Clyde Basel, Phumelela.

It’s a huge day of racing and one that generates capacity crowds every year – with more than R7-million in prize money up for grabs on this year, the Presidents Champions Challenge alone worth a staggering R2-million.

SASCOC has once again shown its support for the race day, as naming rights partner to the Triple Crown.

Among the new sponsors for 2013 is the hugely successful breeder Wilgerbosdrift Stud, which has generously sponsored the entire Triple Tiara series.

Stud owner Mary Slack says she’s excited about the new partnership.

“Wilgerbosdrift is delighted to be associated with the Triple Tiara, three top class races that cater for the countries best fillies.

“It is essential that fillies race for excellence in South Africa and are rewarded accordingly. Superior fillies produce champion racehorses.”

Champions Day has also received a sponsorship boost from Betxchange, which has generously backed the R1-million Computaform Sprint.

A new alliance with Distell will see it as the 2013 Champions Day pouring rights partner, while Matekor has sponsored the R200,000 Camellia Stakes.

Matekor CEO Satch Mathen says he is “delighted to be partnering with Turffontein Racecourse for this race day”.

Phumelela Sales Executive Clyde Basel said that Champions Day is for great horseracing and the Intercontinental Village attracts diverse cultures and nationalities, all whom come together to make for a spectacular day’s entertainment.

“We are most grateful to have such powerful sponsors and partners on the day and I’d appeal to the public is to come out to Turffontein Racecourse with your family and enjoy a unique day’s entertainment.” – Phumelela.