A CELEBRATION OF RACING, COMMUNITY AND GIVING AT THE 2026 ALLIED STEELRODE ONAMISSION CHARITY MILE

Horse Racing

Johannesburg, South Africa — Glorious summer weather, a festive atmosphere and a shared spirit of generosity set the scene for a memorable day at TAB Turffontein on Saturday, 31 October as the 2026 Allied Steelrode ONAMISSION Charity Mile brought racing, business and community together in support of a worthy cause.

The event marked the sixth consecutive year of Allied Steelrode’s headline sponsorship. Its continued commitment has helped grow the Charity Mile’s impact, demonstrating how horseracing can make a meaningful difference beyond the track.

With six feature races on a competitive 10-race programme, the highlight of the day was the Grade 2 Allied Steelrode ONAMISSION Charity Mile. An 18-horse field competed for more than race honours, with R1 million distributed among 20 participating charities.

Donations were allocated according to finishing position, with the charity paired with the winning horse receiving R140,000, followed by R100,000 for second, R70,000 for third and R50,000 for fourth. Each of the remaining 16 runners’ charity partners received R40,000. The reserve runner, Immediate Edge, secured a further R40,000 for St Francis Care Centre, while Joburg Child Welfare, which was not paired with a runner, also received R40,000.

As always, the occasion was warmly embraced by representatives from Allied Steelrode and the participating charities, who joined racegoers in celebrating the day. Dressed for the occasion, the charities brought colour and enthusiasm to TAB Turffontein, adding to the warm, community-focused atmosphere.

In a vintage renewal of the race, victory went to Mrs Sabine Plattner’s Zeitz (Vercingetorix – Zappy Choice), trained by Andre Nel and ridden by Serino Moodley. The beautiful grey 5yo gelding delivered a memorable result for his connections and secured R140,000 for his charity partner, Jicama 89.

A R625 000 BSA National Yearling Sale purchase, Zeitz now has 7 wins and 10 places from 20 career starts for earnings of R2,797,920.

The day also offered an opportunity to celebrate some of the people who have helped shape the Charity Mile’s history. Dual national champion jockey Gavin Lerena, a four-time winner of the race, was on course to participate in the pre-race build-up.

There was also a special appearance by 2023 Charity Mile champion, Puerto Manzano, who returned to the track to lead the field down for the main event. Beautifully handled by former apprentice Savanna Valjalo, he provided one of the day’s most emotional moments when he was reunited in the parade ring with his racing owner, Mr Laurence Wernars. Now owned by Vikki Lerena, Puerto Manzano’s appearance was a highlight for many racegoers on the day.

Adding to the festivities, Allied Steelrode, in partnership with Suzuki South Africa, gave racegoers the opportunity to win a branded 2026 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL. The competition proved a popular attraction, with Eldine Raco emerging as the lucky winner of the new vehicle.

There was plenty to celebrate on the track beyond the Charity Mile, with two visiting runners making their presence felt among the day’s feature winners. Mr D D Jansen & Maine Chance Farms (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Dr W A & Mrs N Jacobs)’s Kubu (Futura – Khonza), trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by Richard Fourie, captured the 4Racing Yellowwood Handicap (Listed), while Mrs Plattner’s Zeitz completed the double for the raiding contingent with his Charity Mile success.

The day’s feature race results were:

  • TAB Golden Loom Handicap (Listed) – Echo Check (Master Of My Fate – Alexa), trained by Fabian Habib and ridden by Kabelo Matsunyane.
  • TAB Starling Stakes (Grade 3) – Alice B Toklas (Master Of My Fate – Alice Springs), trained by Sean Tarry and ridden by visiting French jockey Mickaelle Michel, who has made a welcome return to South Africa for the season.
  • TAB Graham Beck Stakes (Grade 3) – Fierceness (Hawwaam – Gin Fizz), trained by Mike and Mathew de Kock and ridden by Muzi Yeni.
  • 4Racing Yellowwood Handicap (Listed) – Kubu (Futura – Khonza), trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by Richard Fourie.
  • Allied Steelrode ONAMISSION Charity Mile (Grade 2) – Zeitz (Vercingetorix – Zappy Choice), trained by Andre Nel and ridden by Serino Moodley.
  • 4Racing Java Stakes (Listed) – Positive Attitude (Rafeef – Let’s Try Again), trained by Joey Soma and ridden by Richard Fourie.

While the day delivered its share of high-quality racing and memorable performances, its greatest success was the spirit in which it brought people together. From the participating charities and their supporters to the sponsors, owners, trainers, jockeys and racegoers, the Allied Steelrode ONAMISSION Charity Mile was a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to unite people, inspire hope and make a meaningful difference.

In short, it was a fitting celebration of the Charity Mile’s enduring message: Racing With Purpose. Changing Lives.

 

ENDS.

 

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About 4Racing

4Racing is South Africa’s largest horse racing operator, responsible for the management of TAB Turffontein, TAB Vaal and TAB Fairview racecourses, and operates the national TAB totalisator network, the country’s oldest and most extensive tote betting system. www.tab.co.za

 

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