AVONTUUR Estate, long time sponsor of the Gr 1 Cape Fillies Guineas, is proud to announce that the prize money for this highly rated race for 3 year old fillies, has been increased to R1 million, which immediately drew positive reactions from all over the country.

“It’s really great that we can raise the calibre of participants in the race in this way, and thereby highlight the excellent work done over the years by the Avontuur team and all our supporters to establish the event on the racing calender. It’s an endorsement of our intention to grow the race and with the 8^th Avontuur-sponsored race coming up on Saturday, 7 December we look forward to a new era of even better racing,” says Michael Taberer of Avontuur Estate.

“The prize money increase definitely gives owners an incentive to race in the Fillies Guineas and keep our race fillies in the country, which is what we need to increase the calibre of our race mares, ultimately improving our young stock even more,” commented champion trainer Mike de Kock.

Up country trainer Sean Tarry was positive about the announcement:  “No doubt Avontuur is the driving force behind the stake increase which is great as all Gr1’s should have a stake which is equal. It will now certainly be one of our big targets this season.”

Mike Bass was delighted to hear that the stake has been increased to where it should be, as he believes that this race together with the Paddock Stakes are the two most prestigous fillies races on the SA racing calendar.

Champion jockey Antony Delpech was excited by the news that the prize money for his  sponsor’s race has been increased.  “I’ll try extra-hard to win it this year!” he said.

Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh feels the sponsorship supports her belief that the backbone of the breeding industry is its fillies and mares.  “I know the stallions get all the attention, but in truth the quality of your brood mare band makes the difference between excellent and adequate as a breeder, and winning this race sets the scene for future success as a broodmare,” she added.

Phumelela Sales Executive Clyde Basel commented “We are very excited to announce the renewal of the Avontuur Fillies Guineas sponsorship, which will now race for R1 million in prize money. We once again look forward to some of the best fillies in action competing for the big prize on what is becoming a most popular race day, with the addition of the IntercontinentalVillage adding to the activities on offer at Kenilworth.”

With an illustrious list of winners over the years namely Sun Classique, Captain’s Lover, Sparkling Gem, Field Flower, Ebony Flyer, Princess Victoria and last year’s Rumya, we look forward to creating new stars for the SA racing fimament.

Headline photo: Rumya, 2012 Avontuur Fillies Guineas winner.