If I interpret the buzz correctly, effort and money is being invested in getting the ailing sport of kings on its feet again.
And not a moment too soon.
By the time this column appears The Vaal racecourse will have had its meeting on its spanking new sand track, adding a new dimension to racing in Gauteng and the country.
Tellytrack, the racing channel on DStv, did well to cover the trial runs at the Vaal last week. The comments from trainers and jockeys who participated were most informative.
The introduction of sand racing is, of course, a bit of a curve ball for punters and form students.
Some animals will no doubt do better on the surface than others and it will take some time before a degree of clarity emerges on form.
It will also have a direct bearing on form study for grass racing as horses switch between the two surfaces. Throw in the imminent Gauteng summer rains and its effect on the “going” the relative firmness or softness of the track and a period of spectacular form reversals cannot be ruled out.
An official at the Vaal pointed out that sand tracks offer greater possibilities for keeping the going consistent throughout the seasons. We’ll have to wait and see.
And it doesn’t end there. Phumelela has announced a multimillion-rand project which includes a second grass track at Turffontein.
The new track will be constructed on the inside of the existing one and will allow all weekend racing in Gauteng to be scheduled for Turffontein, which is Phumelela’s aim.
The development will transform Turffontein into a modern facility catering for about 5000 racegoers. This figure may appear small but it is in line with the modern trend of enthusiasts taking in racing at off-course centres such as clubs, pubs and totes. On major race days the facilities can be expanded to cater for the much bigger crowds expected.
Phumelela promises that the ambience at Turffontein will be greatly enhanced and that racegoers will be brought closer to the racing action.
Construction begins within weeks and the new facilities are scheduled for completion by May next year.
And still there’s more. Tellytrack announced this week plans to greatly enhance its coverage of racing in other countries, most notably Mauritius. It also plans to cover the full season of racing in Dubai as well as major meetings in Britain and the US.
The Tellytrack head honcho did make noises about the necessity of bringing “information” to viewers keen to bet on foreign racing, but didn’t make any specific promises.
Perhaps this is a challenge to established form guides such as Computaform, Sporting Post and others to keep pace with their ambitious partners in the best game in town.
Turffontein best bets: Blue Pencil (race 2); Custody (race 9) Kenilworth best bets: Enchantress (race 1); Crowning Glory (race 2) Clairwood best bets: Heart And Soul (race 1); Play For Keeps (race 3); Rise And Rejoice (race 4); Grim Tours (race 8).