The secret is out, this year’s field for the R1-million Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile (Gr 2) sees a superb cast come together at Turffontein Racecourse on 5 November on a day where non-profit organisations are the big winners.

After much deliberation, the final field of 16 plus three reserves has been whittled down and sees top weight of 62kg allotted to Mac De Lago while Irish Pride, winner of the inaugural Grand Heritage earlier this month, will shoulder just 52kg.

There are a number of consistent performers when it comes to the bigger prizes on offer in South African racing with the highest-profile of those being this year’s Vodacom Durban July winner, The Conglomerate while Cape raider, Rabada has also been bracketed among four runners set to carry 58kg.

As far as the hopes of New Predator are concerned, the Johan Janse van Vuuren inmate will carry 58.5kg and will no doubt have his supporters after an eye catching run in the Joburg Spring Challenge (Gr 2).

“We’re expecting fireworks again this year as far as the racing action is concerned but more importantly it’s also great to see the contribution we are able to make to families and organisations from a charity point of view,” said Bob Yearham, chief operating officer of Peermont, at the unveiling of the final field at the casino venue.

“This is the biggest vehicle we’ve got to let people know what we do as Peermont from a corporate social responsibility point of view,” he added.

It was a sentiment echoed by Vusi Zwane, head of Corporate Social Investment for Peermont.

“We’re a leader in our sector when it comes to CSI initiatives and we’re extremely proud of that fact. Education and youth are our priority and this event allows us to make sure that they continue to benefit from our contributions. It’s going to be a spectacular day and we’re excited,” said Zwane.
R1-million will be given to charity, courtesy of Peermont Emperors Palace, on raceday.

The event was also used as an opportunity to draw the fields for the lucrative HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco Maiden Plates. Each of those races are worth R250,000.

After a wave of interest that saw a total of 189 entries between the 1600m and 1160m contests, the respective fields were cut down to 16 runners and four reserves.

There is also a charity element with these two races with the Racing Association agreeing to pay the entry fees, over to the Highveld Horse Care Unit.

With high-profile celebrities, the feel-good factor of giving back as well as the rush of exciting horseracing action that is set there are all the right ingredients to ensure a fantastic day at the races.

Racing. It’s a Rush is looking forward to entertaining new fans at the races on the day, and carry out its objective of attracting, entertaining, educating and converting new blood to the sport.