Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Horse Racing: The WSB Grooms Initiative
At World Sports Betting (WSB), we believe that horse racing is built not just on the power and beauty of the racehorse, but also on the dedication of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Among these unsung heroes are the grooms – the men and women who rise before dawn each day to care for the athletes we call racehorses.
Recently, our team visited Turffontein Racecourse to connect with grooms and members of the 4Racing team. The visit highlighted how the WSB Grooms Initiative has positively impacted lives and strengthened the very foundation of the horse racing industry.
Lunde Bleni, Executive for Transformation at 4Racing, summed it up perfectly:
“Speaking of the grooms gives me great joy. They are the backbone of this industry – the key stakeholders who take care of the athletes every single day. At 4Racing, we believe in the power of partnership, and World Sports Betting is one of the partners we truly value.”
Investing in People, Empowering Communities
Since its launch, the WSB Grooms Initiative has awarded over 3,500 grooms with a combined total of more than R5 million. Every winning groom under the 4Racing umbrella now receives a cash incentive of R1,500 – a meaningful recognition of their relentless dedication and contribution to the sport.
For grooms like Cremeldush Velankulu, who has been in the profession for 15 years, the initiative has made a tangible difference. He shared how the incentives help provide food and clothing for his family, a testament to the real-life impact of this programme.
Why Grooms Matter
Grooms are central to horse racing’s success. They care for racehorses daily, ensuring they are healthy, trained, and ready to perform at their best. While fans cheer on the jockeys and horses, it is the groom’s unseen devotion that keeps the sport running smoothly.
Unfortunately, their contributions often go unnoticed. The WSB Grooms Initiative aims to change this by putting grooms at the heart of recognition and reward.
A Partnership Driving Change
Our collaboration with 4Racing highlights the importance of building a more sustainable, inclusive, and supportive racing community. Together, we are committed to uplifting those who are vital to the sport’s success, ensuring that jockeys, trainers, owners – and most importantly, grooms – all share in the rewards of racing.
Looking Ahead
World Sports Betting is proud of the role we play in supporting the backbone of horse racing. By investing in CSI initiatives like the Grooms Programme, we reaffirm our mission to give back to the industry that inspires so many.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to celebrating the hard work, passion, and commitment of grooms across South Africa. Their stories of resilience and pride fuel our belief that together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for horse racing.
