ALLIED STEELRODE RETURNS FOR SIXTH YEAR AS TITLE SPONSOR OF THE ONAMISSION CHARITY MILE

Horse Racing

Racing With Purpose. Changing Lives.

Johannesburg, South Africa — 4Racing is proud to announce the return of Allied Steelrode as headline sponsor of the Allied Steelrode OnAMission Charity Mile, taking place at TAB Turffontein on Saturday, 31 October 2026. This milestone marks the sixth consecutive year of Allied Steelrode’s support of an event that has become one of South African horseracing’s most meaningful and anticipated fixtures.

The Grade 2 feature, contested over 1600 metres for a stake of R1 million, is far more than a horse race. The Charity Mile is a celebration of compassion, collaboration and community impact, providing 20 deserving charities with a unique platform to raise awareness, build meaningful relationships and secure vital support for the important work they do.

Since becoming title sponsor in 2021, Allied Steelrode has played a significant role in growing and strengthening the initiative. Each year, 20 charities are paired with horses competing in the race, with donations allocated according to the horses’ finishing positions. This innovative concept creates a powerful connection between the racing and charitable sectors, ensuring that every horse races for more than victory, but for a cause that extends far beyond the finish line.

Over the years, the Charity Mile has supported organisations dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children, individuals living with disabilities, families in need and under-resourced communities. More than a fundraising initiative, the event has become a platform for charities to tell their stories, increase public awareness and connect with supporters who share their vision for positive change.

Among the charities that have benefited from the initiative are Epworth Children’s Home, the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA), Thusanani Children’s Home and East Rand Children’s Haven. Their participation reflects the diverse causes championed by the Charity Mile and highlights the tangible impact the event continues to make in communities across South Africa.

While the race continues to attract some of the country’s leading horses, trainers and jockeys, the true success of the Charity Mile is measured by the lives touched through its charitable beneficiaries. Year after year, the event demonstrates the remarkable impact that can be achieved when sport, business and communities come together with a shared purpose.

One Race. Twenty Charities. Countless Lives Changed.

Allied Steelrode is one of South Africa’s leading steel processing and supply companies, serving customers across a wide range of industries. While recognised for its expertise and innovation within the steel sector, the company is equally committed to making a meaningful difference beyond business through community investment and charitable initiatives.

As title sponsor of the Allied Steelrode OnAMission Charity Mile since 2021, Allied Steelrode has helped transform the event into one of South African racing’s most celebrated days of giving. Through its continued support, the company has enabled charities to gain valuable exposure, attract new supporters and secure funding that helps sustain their life-changing work.

“4Racing is delighted to continue its partnership with Allied Steelrode and grateful for its unwavering commitment to an event that has become a powerful force for good within the racing industry,” said 4Racing CEO Patrick Duff.

“Arun Chadha and Warne Rippon are passionate advocates for both South African horseracing and community upliftment. Their support has helped the Charity Mile evolve into a platform that not only showcases world-class racing but also creates meaningful opportunities for charities to raise awareness, build relationships and secure much-needed support.”

“Last year, Arun described the Charity Mile as an event that transforms the ‘sport of kings’ into a force for good. That sentiment perfectly captures what makes this race so unique. By connecting 20 deserving charities with the horses competing on the day, the Charity Mile demonstrates how horseracing can unite businesses, communities and charitable organisations to create lasting impact and real change.

We look forward to another memorable renewal and thank Allied Steelrode for its continued commitment to this remarkable initiative.”

Executive Director Warne Rippon added: “When we launched the Allied Steelrode OnAMission Charity Mile six years ago, our vision was simple: to create an event where the excitement and passion of horseracing could be used to support worthy causes and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Today, that vision continues to grow, bringing together charities, sponsors, racing enthusiasts and community leaders around a shared purpose.”

“The true success of the Charity Mile is not measured by attendance figures or race results alone, but by the impact it has on the charities and the communities they serve. Every year, these organisations are given an invaluable platform to share their stories, raise awareness for their causes and receive funding that enables them to continue their essential work.”

“We are incredibly proud of what this initiative has become and grateful to everyone who contributes to its success. From the charities and sponsors to the owners, trainers, jockeys and racegoers, every person involved plays a role in creating positive change. Together with 4Racing, we are proving that horseracing can be a powerful vehicle for hope, opportunity and community upliftment.”

“The addition of the Suzuki Swift giveaway, proudly sponsored by Allied Steelrode and Suzuki South Africa, adds even more excitement to the day while helping attract new supporters and shining an even brighter spotlight on the 20 charities at the heart of this event.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to TAB Turffontein for what promises to be another unforgettable Charity Mile.”

The 2026 Allied Steelrode OnAMission Charity Mile will once again bring together world-class horseracing and community impact in a celebration of generosity, purpose and partnership. While serving as an important stepping stone on the road to the Betway Summer Cup, the day’s true focus remains the 20 charities whose life-changing work will be showcased and supported through this unique initiative.

With thrilling racing, a Suzuki Swift giveaway and countless opportunities to make a difference, the Charity Mile continues to demonstrate the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when sport, business and communities unite behind a common cause.

One Race. Twenty Charities. Countless Lives Changed.

The 20 beneficiary charities and their respective horses will be revealed at the official barrier draw on Wednesday, 21 October. 

2026 ALLIED STEELRODE ONAMISSION CHARITY MILE – KEY DATES

  • Race day: Saturday, 31 October 2026
  • Venue: TAB Turffontein
  • Race: Allied Steelrode OnAMission Charity Mile (Grade 2)
  • Distance: 1600 metres
  • Stakes: R1 million
  • Entries close: 11:00, Friday, 16 October 2026
  • Supplementary entries close: 09:00, Tuesday, 20 October 2026
  • Weights: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
  • Declarations close: 11:00, Wednesday, 21 October 2026
  • Barrier draw: Wednesday, 21 October 2026

 

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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