EMERALD Resort & Casino has announced Saturday, 27th September as the date for this year’s annual Emerald Cup. Now in its 10thyear, Phumelela  have upped the winning stake from R600 000 to a whopping R1 million.

This year’s Emerald Cup Grade 2 race will again be run over 1450m on the Vaal sand track on Saturday 27 September. Additionally, conditions to the event have been altered in favour of higher-rated runners.

Phumelela’s Horseracing Executive Patrick Davis commented “The new conditions of the Emerald Cup favour the best horses and better position the race for Grade 1 status. The increase in prize money was a joint decision by the Racing Association and Phumelela, while the changes to the conditions of the various races were decided by the Highveld Race Programming Committee.”

The Emerald Cup is sponsored by Emerald Resort & Casino and is the perfect family outing. The event accentuates some of the best local musical talent. The event also offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. Braai facilities and food stations are also available right next to the track.

Martin Rice, CEO of Emerald Resort & Casino  explained “The Emerald Cup has for many years been one of our flagship events but this year the event has become more prestigious as the stakes get increased to rival any of the top feature races in this country. We’re looking forward to attracting the top race horses, jockeys and trainers.” He added that this event will raise the popularity of the race, further encouraging tourism and spend in the Vaal and Sedibeng region.