Swiss Derby announced as new Grade 1 race in South Africa
South African racing is set for a major new addition to its calendar with the inaugural Swiss Derby Day scheduled for February 27, 2027, at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in Cape Town.
The meeting will offer total prize money of R10 million, making it one of the richest race days ever staged in the city. The seven-race programme will be headlined by the Swiss Derby, a Grade 1 contest for three-year-old horses over 2000 metres carrying a purse of R3 million.
The concept was initiated by Swiss entrepreneur Rolf Theiler and his Cape Town-born wife Gloria.
“We are highly motivated to further develop horse racing in the Cape region with new ideas, inspire new partners for the sport and present the perfect conclusion to the Cape Summer Festival of Racing with Swiss Derby Day,” Theiler said.
To boost field sizes and competitiveness, prize money will be paid down to eighth place in every race. A further R1 million jackpot will be awarded to trainers, jockeys, owners and breeders who win at least three races on the day.
Theiler, a former international show jumper and founder of the dressage event CSI Zurich tournament, has been involved in South African racing for several years and hopes the event will attract Swiss sponsors and visitors to Cape Town.
Race Coast Chairman Greg Bortz said concepts like Swiss Derby Day would play a major role in safeguarding South African racing into the future
“The Swiss Derby Day is a fantastic example of how international collaboration can help strengthen the future of racing in South Africa,” he said.
“The scale of the prize money and the international flavour of the event will add a new dimension to the Cape Summer Festival of Racing and help showcase the quality of South African racing to a global audience.”
