Hollywoodbets will launch the Workriders’ Series at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday 30 October.
Workriders are a key link in the horseracing supply chain and this vitally important sector will be recognised for their strategic contribution to the sport when the first in a series of Hollywoodbets-sponsored Workrider races are run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday.
A field of ten will line up at the 1000m marker for the first race on the bumper nine-event card.
The race is the first in a series of four. The next three races are scheduled for 27 November, 17 December, and the series culminates on 7 January on the 2023 L’Ormarins King’s Plate Day with the running of the R135 000 Workrider’s Maiden Plate.
Besides earning the standard riding commissions in each of the four races, a grand prize of R25 000 is up for grabs in the Hollywoodbets Workriders’ Series, with points being earned by individual workriders in each of the four races.
Cape Racing will publish a log on the Monday following each of the races, and this will reflect the standings of the various competitors as they bid for glory.
Following the final race on Saturday, 7 January 2023 and once the log has been updated and finalised, the R25 000 prize pool will be apportioned as follows:
- Winner earns R12 000 and will receive a trophy as a momento
- Runner-up earns R6 000
- Third place earns R4 000
- Fourth place earns R2 000
- Fifth place earns R1 000
Full betting is carried on these races but, as opposed to fully-fledged professional jockeys, workriders are only allowed to carry the whip in the backhand position, with the hands not being permitted to leave the reins when using the crop on only the horse’s neck or shoulder.
Weights are set at 62kg less any allowances designated as per the Racing Operators’ Conditions.
These races are restricted to Work Riders’ / Grooms’ who have graduated through the Western Province Grooms’ School work rider programme and who are in the employ of a licensed Western Cape Trainer and/or who are approved by the Western Province Grooms’ School riding master and the Chairman of the Western Province Grooms’ School Trust. Only licensed Western Cape trainers with private establishments may apply for the exemption of a rider that has not graduated from the school.
The Hollywoodbets Workriders’ Series provides important race-riding experience and is a launch platform into the exciting Jockeys and Workriders Challenge, a pioneering collaboration that has been exceptionally well-received since its inception.
The challenge will again be staged on Cape Derby Day in 2023 as the final race on the programme. In a change from 2022, jockeys and workriders will pair up in teams drawn to increase the level of competition.
The Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Welcomes You Workrider’s Maiden Plate is off at 12h50 on Sunday.
