Turffontein Inside Saturday 5 April 2025 postponed to Monday 7 April 2025

Please be advised that the race meeting scheduled for Turffontein 5 April 2025 has been postponed to Monday, 7 April 2025.

Turffontein has received an additional 12mm of rainfall over the past few days, and it is still currently raining.

The track is currently waterlogged, and the forecast for tomorrow predicts similar weather conditions to those experienced today.

Race times remain as carded.

The Dubai World Cup – A World Pool Event – Saturday, 5 April 2025.

The most anticipated night in global racing is almost upon us, Dubai World Cup night is just around the corner. Prepare for an evening of unparalleled excitement, where the glitz and glamour off the track are rivalled only by the electrifying action on it.

At the heart of the event is Forever Young, the undeniable star of the night. His jaw-dropping victory in the Saudi Cup, a performance that left the world in awe, solidified his status as the best in the business. Now, he faces one of the toughest fields in history, with a chance to once again prove he is the world’s finest. While he will undoubtedly be the horse to beat, don’t discount the challenge posed by the formidable Imperial Emperor, a rising star who’s yet to reach his peak.

The Dubai World Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events. This year, Saturday’s meeting at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai is part of the World Pool, a global betting collaboration that provides more competitive dividends. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club will host Races 3 to 9 under the World Pool banner offering the following bets: Win, Place, Swinger, Quinella, Exacta.

Commingled pools Races 1&2: Win, Place, Swinger, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, Quartet, Double & Jackpot on race 2.

Commingled pools Races 3-9; Quartet, Double and Jackpot on race 6.

SA pools – Trifecta races 3-9 and PA on race 3.

The Dubai World Cup is not only a highlight of the UAE’s sporting calendar but also a focal point for the international racing community. With participants and spectators converging from around the globe. The event epitomizes the spirit of competition and camaraderie in the world of horse racing.

The Dubai World Cup 2025 is the 29th edition and is set to deliver an unparalleled experience of elite horse racing combined with world-class entertainment. Scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the iconic Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, this event stands as a pinnacle in the global horse racing calendar with a total prize money of $30.5 million across nine races with the feature race being the Dubai World Cup with a purse of $12 million.

In response to unforeseen weather forecasts, the Dubai Racing Club has announced a revised schedule to ensure the comfort and safety of all participants and attendees. The first race will now commence at 14:35 South African time, with the marquee Dubai World Cup race slated for 19:30. This adjustment aims to mitigate the impact of anticipated hot weather conditions.

South African interests lie with Isivunguvungu who will line up in the $1.5 million Gr1 Al Quoz Sprint over 1200m on the turf. Trainer Graham Motion, who won the Dubai World Cup back in 2013 with Animal Kingdom, has high hopes for the Hollywood Racing owned gelding. Motion reports that Isivunguvungu ‘couldn’t be doing better’ since his arrival in Dubai. He has drawn seven and the race is due off at 18.20 local time.

The 2025 line-up features an impressive array of international talent, including:

Romantic Warrior: Hong Kong’s highest-earning horse, renowned for his remarkable performances on the international stage.

Forever Young: The Japanese Derby winner who recently triumphed at the Saudi Cup, showcasing exceptional form.

Sierra Leone: The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic champion from the United States, adding depth to the competition.

These elite competitors underscore the event’s global prestige and the high calibre of racing anticipated.

Aintree Grand National Day 3 – The Big One! – Saturday, 5 April 2025

It all comes down to this. Day 3 of the Aintree Festival is here, and with it comes the most iconic race in the world — the Randox Grand National. The build-up has been immense, and now it’s time for legends to be made over the famous Aintree fences.

Race Schedule Highlights:

14:20 – William Hill Handicap Hurdle (3m ½f)

A wide-open handicap kicks off the day. Jeriko Du Reponet is well fancied after a strong Cheltenham showing.

14:55 – Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m 4f)

Promising hurdlers clash here. Expect a strong run from Lookaway, who skipped Cheltenham in favor of this.

16:05 – Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1, 3m ½f)

The staying hurdle championship. Strong Leader is back to defend his crown, arriving fresh after skipping Cheltenham.

17:00 – The Big One – Randox Grand National (4m 2½f)

34 runners. 30 fences. One winner. Last year’s champion I Am Maximus returns with top weight, but it’s a deep field. Iroko, Stumptown, and Meetingofthewaters are all serious challengers, while Corach Rambler will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing Cheltenham.

18:00  – Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1, 2m)

18:35  – Grade 2 National Hunt Flat Race (2m 1f)

A future stars’ race to close out the festival.

A speedy chase for novice stars. Found A Fifty and JPR One top the market.

Grand National Watchlist:

I Am Maximus – Can lightning strike twice?

Stumptown – Looks well-handicapped and improving.

Iroko – Quietly fancied; could surprise with stamina.

Mahler Mission – Solid stayer, good prep.

Kitty’s Light – The people’s horse, thrives on soft ground.

Catch all the LIVE action from Aintree on GALLOPTV.

Aintree Grand National Festival – Day 2: Ladies Day Preview – 4 April 2025.

The excitement continues at Aintree as we head into Day 2 of the Grand National Festival—better known as Ladies Day! Expect a mix of high fashion and even higher stakes as top-class horses battle it out in four Grade 1 races and the ever-thrilling Topham Handicap Chase over the Grand National fences.

Key Races to Watch:

14:45 – Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1, 3m 1f) – A big test for novice chasers. Caldwell Potter, fresh from Cheltenham success, is a strong contender here.

15:55 – Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m ½f) – A proving ground for up-and-coming hurdlers. Romeo Coolio is the favourite, but Tripoli Flyer could cause an upset.

16:30 – Melling Chase (Grade 1, 2m 4f) – All eyes on Jonbon—a class act looking to bounce back from his Cheltenham disappointment. Can he return to winning ways?

17:05 – Topham Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap, 2m 5f) – National-style fences mean thrills (and spills) are guaranteed! James Du Berlais, last year’s runner-up, is one to watch.

Betting & Tips:

  • Protektorat looks like a solid value bet in the Melling Chase.
  • Tripoli Flyer could shine in the Top Novices’ Hurdle.
  • James Du Berlais has the experience for another big run in the Topham.