Rescue of KZN racing gallops on

The rescue of KwaZulu-Natal horse racing is a long stride closer to the finish following the Competition Tribunal's go-ahead for a R500-million takeover of racing operator Gold Circle by gambling firm Hollywoodbets and billionaire entrepreneur Greg Bortz.

- Mike Moon

After more than a century, racing in the province faced oblivion due to massive debts with the pandemic lockdown and an attempted tax grab by government compounding the woes.

KZN has just staged a successful traditional winter season, with the iconic Durban July and other famous race meetings drawing huge crowds and record betting turnovers.

Nonetheless, Gold Circle made a loss of R80 million last year and was expected to lose R100 million in this term.