Lights go out at Newmarket

Whilst a number of South African cities have been battling with power cuts in recent weeks due to unprecedented demands on supply, Newmarket race course will be facing a power cut of an altogether different kind this evening.

With R40 million committed to transforming Turffontein into the premier night racing venue (including R35 million for the lighting) Phumelela’s investment also spells an end of an era at Newmarket.

SA Horseracing.com reports: “Turffontein is scheduled to host 66 race meetings this year, but Phumelela is investigating the possibility of holding some of these fixtures as afternoon meetings at Newmarket from February through April. This will reduce wear and tear on the inside track’s back straight, which is being used for both standside and inside track meetings until the new grass in the standside track’s back straight is firmly anchored. “

Contributed by Megan Romeyn.