No racing in South Africa on Saturday as authorities await government decision

Racing in South Africa will not return on Saturday, with Turffontein's big-race meeting cancelled as the authorities continue to await clearance to resume from the government.

A statement from the National Horseracing Authority said on Friday night: "Despite further engagement with government today, there has still not been a response regarding the resumption of horseracing behind closed doors. As such Phumelela regrets to advise that tomorrow’s Turffontein race meeting has had to be abandoned.

"In the interests of trying to stage the three important Pattern races, the South African Derby, the Horse Chestnut Stakes and the Wilgerbosdrift South African Oaks, Phumelela advises that these three races will be moved as carded to Sunday, May 10 at Turffontein. A revised minor race programme for the day will be published on sahorseracing.co.za.

"The NHA will continue to engage with government over the coming days with a view to obtaining confirmation that racing can resume. Until such time as a response is received, daily decisions will have to be made by the relevant racing operators in respect of racing taking place the following day."

The NHA announced that entries for race meetings scheduled beyond May 11 will be suspended for the time being.

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