South African Horse Racing: Time for Leadership and Action

South African horse racing for more than a century has been a cornerstone of our sporting and betting landscape, producing world-class horses, trainers, and jockeys. However, the industry now much like South Africa is on the verge of collapse.Betting via the tote has fallen off a cliff, direct and indirect ownership costs have spiraled out of control, tax rebates are constantly under threat, and multiyear administrative inefficiencies continue to strangle the life out of an already struggling and fragile ecosystem.Without immediate, coordinated action, we risk losing SA Horse racing for good.The relentless decline of South African horse racing is not a secret—it is happening before our eyes on a daily basis. Consider the following:

• The tote, once the financial backbone of racing, has all but collapsed. This means less revenue flowing back into the sport, leaving trainers, breeders, and owners facing financial ruin. The Phumelela collapse in 2020 was a major warning sign, yet the industry continues to struggle in finding a sustainable betting model.
• With feed, vet bills, and training fees skyrocketing, only a select few can afford to race horses, leading to dwindling fields and declining participation. Ownership, once seen as aspirational, has become an unsustainable burden for many.
• Government support, including tax rebates for Operators, owners and breeders, hangs by a thread. If these incentives are revoked, it could accelerate the demise of the industry. The National Horseracing Authority (NHRA), led by CEO Vee Moodley, and Racing South Africa must step up their engagement with government to ensure racing’s viability.
• The NHRA, the Racing Association, and various private stakeholders operate in silos. Without a unified strategy, the industry lacks the direction needed to survive, nevermind thrive. There is no singular voice advocating for racing’s future in a coordinated manner.
• Racing has failed to attract a new generation of fans. The days of bustling grandstands and nationwide excitement are long gone, replaced by empty seats and dusty ballrooms. The sport desperately needs a marketing overhaul to modernize its appeal.

The time for hand-wringing is over.The three key power players in South African horse racing—Greg Bortz, Executive Chairman of Cape Racing; Owen Heffer, Founder of Hollywoodbets; and Mary Slack, owner of Wilgerbosdrift Stud—must take the lead. These individuals have the influence, financial muscle, and industry credibility to convene all stakeholders and forge a new path forward.I call upon Greg Bortz, Owen Heffer, and Mary Slack to immediately issue a joint press release committing to:

1. A National Racing Summit – A no-nonsense, closed-door meeting bringing together owners, trainers, breeders, administrators, and betting operators to develop a five-year roadmap. This summit should be facilitated by an independent expert to ensure accountability and real outcomes.
2. Financial Sustainability Plan – A strategy to restore or supplement tote betting, improve race-day attendance, and attract new national and international investment. Greg Bortz has successfully revitalized Cape Racing, and his expertise must be extended nationally.
3. Tax and Regulatory Reform Advocacy – A united front in negotiating with government to protect and enhance the economic viability of racing. Vee Moodley and the NHRA must spearhead lobbying efforts, with backing from the private sector.
4. Fan Engagement and Modernization – Embracing digital innovation, revamping the racing experience betting and ownership by targeting younger and more diverse audiences to generate new interest in the sport. Owen Heffer's Hollywoodbets has revolutionized the online betting market, and his insights could be leveraged to modernize the tote system and Marketing.
5. Transparency and Accountability – An overhaul of racing governance to ensure that the sport is more accountable to all stakeholders and positioned for stability and growth. Mary Slack, with her long-standing commitment to the industry, could oversee a drive to a proactive structured reform agenda.

 Horse racing is more than just a sport—it is a multi-billion-rand industry that employs thousands of people, from stable hands to jockeys, trainers, breeders, and betting operators. It is a multi generational heritage, a lived passion, and for many, an obsession.Greg Bortz, Owen Heffer, and Mary Slack have the ability to make a defining impact. Their collective action can save South African horse racing from a slow and painful demise. But time is running out.We all wait. The fans wait. The careers of thousands hang in the balance. It is time for strong decisive leadership. It is time for action. The ball is in the Big Threes court.