HISTORY OF SCOTTSVILLE RACECOURSE

Scottsville Racecourse is situated in Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, which lies 80kms north of Durban. The company that controls racing at Scottsville is Gold Circle.

The track is tight and has a circumference of 2300m, a run-in of 550m and a straight course of 1200m. It also has a separate starting chute for races run over 1800m. Scottsville is one of the more challenging tracks around the country with a steep climb for the horses approaching the final 500m. There is also an inside course for races around the bend. For races run over sprint distances there is a downhill section for the first 400m before hitting the incline towards the end, making it a true test for all horses. The ability for horses to race from off the pace is a major advantage at the track, but also if you are too far back, you will find yourself in trouble.

There is very little in terms of advantage with regard to the barrier draw at the track, although when there has been rain outside draws are favourable down the straight.

Scottsville is unique in being the only course in Africa with a casino on the premises. The Golden Horse Casino provides plenty of entertainment after the races and will accommodate you if you’ve had a little too much to drink. Rockafellas is a very smart restaurant looking over the finish that you can attend and enjoy a brilliant 3-course meal and enjoy the racing.

Scottsville has a knack of providing a big upset. The term “horses for courses” applies here, as there are specialists who run much better at Scottsville than anywhere else, while others completely fail to handle the undulating straight.

On the last Saturday in May the track stages its festival of speed, which is by far the biggest day at the track with the headliner being the Group 1 Golden Horse Casino Sprint. There are three other Group 1 races - the Allan Robertson Fillies Sprint for two-year-old fillies, the Gold Medallion for two-year-olds and the SA Fillies Sprint. All the races are run over 1200m.

Some of the famous horses to have run and won at Scottsville are Musir, Sledgehammer and the famous Model Man and more recently JJ The Jet Plane, who won the Golden Horse Casino sprint in 2008 and then, after a stint in Dubai and Britain, came back to South Africa to win it again in 2010.

Race Preview

Scottsville, 12.06.2019, Race 1, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R105.000, 6:25PM

Race Summary: RAMPANCY showed inexperience but when urged showed good pace winning her trial here. She can only improve. KATIE'S TREASURE moved well in her trial over shorter here but then didn't perform well at Greyville. However that was a feature and she could show the strength of that form. HOT MONEY was speedy in her trial. ROSE MOON can improve. POINT OF SALE is well bred.

Scottsville, 12.06.2019, Race 2, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R105.000, 7:00PM

Race Summary: WINTER RETREAT would have found her run after rest a bit short and will relish the step up in trip especially from draw one. Chance. But the one to beat may be RAINBOW UNICORN if she improves on her debut run. She showed promise from a wide draw there but has drawn wider on her track debut. ARCTIC PRINCESS showed something in her trial and has drawn well. SAUCY BROAD has a say.

Scottsville, 12.06.2019, Race 3, Gallops, 1000m, Turf, R112.000, 7:35PM

Race Summary: Wide open race. WHORLY WHORLY made progress in his last few and now has a 2,5kg claim. He is also dropping in class a bit. ISCA is in top form and can win anywhere. Should be right there. MISS FRANKEL scored an inch perfect feature win but has received a hike in ratings. Rested she must be respected. ANTONY HOTSPUR caught the eye last and MY MAJESTIC GLORY can pop up.

Scottsville, 12.06.2019, Race 4, Gallops, 1200m, Turf, R74.000, 8:10PM

Race Summary: BEDAZZLED JOKER and FIVES WILD lock horns again and at better weight terms he could extract revenge. However the latter is enjoying himself at present and could complete a hat trick. SPIRIT OF SONG had all manner of things go wrong last time and he is a lot better than that run. LUPO needed his last race and should prefer this trip again. FLORENCE is not out of it.

Scottsville, 12.06.2019, Race 5, Gallops, 1400m, Turf, R74.000, 8:50PM

Race Summary: Juvenile PADRE PIO is highly regarded and is quickly tried in open company after a feature. He races like a seasoned sort and should show his class with each and every run. TECHNO CAPTAIN is a hard knocking older individual and he is at his best at this venue. Could prove a tough adversary. SHANGHAI TANG brings Highveld form into it. MASTER SAM and MARCH PREVIEW can earn.

Scottsville, 12.06.2019, Race 6, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R74.000, 9:25PM

Race Summary: HOPEFUL has not been disgracing herself on the Greyville poly. She has dropped in ratings and could make a fair Scottsville debut here. OLOYE is another that was originally from the Cape. She has been getting better and could come out firing after rest. SCARLET CHILL won her local debut after fair Cape runs and can follow up in this. ARIZONA SUNSET is a danger on her latest.

Scottsville, 12.06.2019, Race 7, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R74.000, 9:55PM

Race Summary: BARINOIS is in good nick and can win on turf or poly. She looks to have much in her favour except for a wide draw. However leading rider Muzi Yeni is more than capable of giving her every chance. ISLA MORADA finished behind her last and had excuses. She has drawn better than her and rates a chance. LOVE BUTTON is better than her last try. Many more can pop up.

Scottsville, 12.06.2019, Race 8, Gallops, 1600m, Turf, R105.000, 10:30PM

Race Summary: JUST PRIME is a lot better than his last race. It was his first try over this track and trip and he must improve. LEICESTER SQUARE is an interesting runner here. He just two and dropped in the deep end. If he jumps well he could threaten. FRANKIE TWO SHOES and FIRST CALL seem capable of winning a race like this. FARM YARD TRACTOR must have a say as well.

Races to be simulcasted are as follows:
Race 1 at 6:25pm
Race 2 at 7:00pm
Race 3 at 7:35pm
Race 4 at 8:10pm
Race 5 at 8:50pm
Race 6 at 9:25pm
Race 7 at 9:55pm
Race 8 at 10:30pm

Starter(South Africa)