TURFFONTEIN RACECOURSE

A racecourse has existed at Turffontein, Gauteng since 1887 being run by the Johannesburg Turf Club.

Its principal races are the Summer Cup, run in November, and the South African Derby of Group One status.

 

The South African Derby for 3 year olds over a mile and a half was first run at the track in 1907, having previously been run at Port Elizabeth from 1885 to 1906. That first Turffontein winner was Diana. The race continued to be held throughout the War years with Yale winning in 1939 and Lenin in 1940 (A Cold War Double!!) The most recent winner was Russian Sage.
The Summer Cup is run over 10 furlongs for 3 year olds and upwards. The 2007 winner was the unfancied Strategic News.
If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnwslusar@gmail.com