Get ready for Joburg’s biggest horse racing event – the 2025 Betway Summer Cup – happening at the iconic Turffontein Racecourse on Saturday, 29 November 2025.

The sport of horse racing is as deeply rooted in Johannesburg as the city itself and nearly as old. The city was founded in 1886, by prospectors seeking their fortune after the discovery of gold. The first horse race in Johannesburg – the Witwatersrand Handicap - was held that very same year, on 30th December.

It was such a success, that it prompted the formal establishment of the Johannesburg Turf Club, which held its inaugural meeting on 15 June 1887 featuring the Johannesburg Handicap – the forerunner of our Summer Cup. The first running of the race was held over two miles for a stake of £250.

The race was renamed the ‘Johannesburg December Handicap’ for one renewal, before the ‘Johannesburg Summer Handicap’ was established in 1902. It was run over 1800m between 1906 and 1909 and became a 2000m contest in 1910. It was not renamed again until 1972, when the hotel chain, Holiday Inn, took up the sponsorship.

The ‘Holiday Inns’ became the ‘Sun International’ between 1984 and 1987; the Administrator’s Champion Stakes between 1988 and 1991; the ’Administrator’s Cup between 1992 and 1996 and the ‘Premier’s Cup’ for 1997 and 1998.

In 1999, the race was staged as the ‘Summer Handicap’ and changed to the ‘Summer Cup’ in 2000. Between 2000 and 2021 a number of major sponsors were part of the big day including Sansui, until the online betting giant, Betway, took the mantle in 2022.

This premier sporting event is a highlight on Gauteng’s social calendar, blending top-class horse racing with an unforgettable day of entertainment and celebration.

The Betway Summer Cup is proudly known as The People’s Race, offering something for everyone. Whether you're there for the pulse-pounding races, the gourmet food and drinks, the high fashion, or the incredible live music – you’ll find your vibe in one of the many stylish hospitality zones.

Mark your calendar, dress to impress, and be part of the energy that only the Summer Cup can deliver.

Tickets are on sale now. Prices start from as little as R100 for general admission and can be purchased from Ticketpro.

https://betwaysummercup.co.za/
Instagram and X: @summercupracing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summercupracing/

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A Legacy of Racing Excellence

Established by the Johannesburg Turf Club in 1892, the foundations for the original Turffontein grandstands were laid in 1893. Interestingly, from 1897, the Turf Club pegged the entire course for mining, and gold was mined 1.5km below the race course, while racing continued above!

Turffontein is considered one of South Africa’s premier venues for Thoroughbred horse racing. It features both inner and outer grass circuits and it is renowned for its challenging layout—especially the stamina-testing climb from the 1200-metre mark to the final bend. Turffontein is home to prestigious events like South Africa’s Triple Crown and Triple Tiara series, the Computaform Sprint, premier mile events such as the Horse Chestnut Stakes and the Empress Club Stakes, and of course, Johannesburg’s marquee horse racing event, the Betway Summer Cup.

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Betway South Africa is a leading online and mobile sports betting platform offering a wide range of local and international markets. Launched in 2017, it provides a user-friendly experience across devices, backed by innovative technology and responsible gambling practices. Betway operates under the global Super Group brand and is known for its dynamic approach to sports entertainment and sponsorships. Betway South Africa has been the title sponsor of the Summer Cup, Gauteng’s marquee race, since 2022.

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A Team Dedicated to the Future of Horse Racing

At 4Racing, we are passionate about caretaking and growing the sport of horse racing in South Africa. With roots tracing back to 4500 BC, horse racing remains one of the most enduring and beloved sports worldwide. Our mission is to honour that legacy while building a bold, modern future , built on transparency, purpose, and digital transformation.

What sets us apart is our commitment

When taking over the reins in 2021, 4Racing did so with a commitment to fostering a resurgence in the sport of horse racing in South Africa. Digital transformation is critical to living our core purpose of delivering the world’s most loved racing experience.