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Johannesburg - According to latest reports from PwC, horseracing’s importance in the SA economy has remained the dominant component of the sports betting market since 2014 at R1.9bn, compared with R1.6bn for sports events.
Additionally, betting on sports events have driven the market with a 75% increase over the past five years.
The Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA) and its sales arm, Bloodstock South Africa (BSA) was stablished in 1921. The TBA continues to serve the breeding industry.
This year the TBA celebrates 40 years of national yearling sales hosted at its BSA sales complex in Gosforth Park, Johannesburg. This year, furthermore, marks the 110th year of national yearling sales. The sale has its origins in 1907.
Susan Rowett, chairperson of the TBA since 2013, and the first ever woman to spearhead the organisation comments: “The TBA auction sales are supported by small to large scale buyers. We’re a reputable sales company with a proven track record of champions coming from our sales. We run sales for the benefit of the breeders, unlike a private enterprise sales company."
The surpluses from these activities are used to foster and promote the interests of the breeding industry. Results show that in just three years from 2012 to 2015, over R4.3m arising from TBA auction activities was contributed to equine health and research.
“With new betting opportunities emerging, racing operators have endeavoured to compete by attracting crowds with innovations like music and prawn festivals at race meetings. However, the classic beauty of the horse is probably most elegantly celebrated at the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate which has seen a rapid rise in acknowledgement as one of the greatest race days globally," said Rowett.
"To grow betting turnover, race day needs to be enjoyable as well as informative, then betting will follow.”
South Africa’s TBA differs from other similar organisations in different countries in that is has its own auction sales activity. Breeders can sell their yearlings on their own association's sales, knowing that the profits earned will be used for the benefit of the industry.
As members they receive an annual report from the association detailing performance.
