OK Grand Challenge prize raised to US$80k, 15 runners battle it out

Don Makanyanga

Sports Reporter

CASTLE Tankard winner Raffles is among the 15 horses that have been nominated for this year OK Grand Challenge with a stake of US$90 000.

At the same time, the prize money for the 1 800m race has gone up to US$80 000 this year from US$70 000 last year.

The winner will get US$40 000, while the runner gets US$16 000 with third placed horse getting US$12 000.

Number 4 will get US$5 600, while the number five will get US$4 000 and the number six walks away with US$2 400.

With a total of 15 horses nominated for this year’s OK Grand Challenge race, Castle Tankard winner, Raffles opened as the overwhelming favourite for the race with bookmakers placing him at 14/10.

Raffles’ trainer, Bridget Stidoplh who had four horses nominated for the race, has predicted a tough race for her stable, but is optimistic that one of her horses will land the grand price.

“Our horses all look very well and the 1 800 metre track suit Tradition lot more and I think he will be really nice for a place bet.

“As for Raffles he has gained a little bit of weight and also the jockey who rode the horse during the Castle Tankard will not be available, but we have got Offer who knows this course very well.

“But overall, this is a tough race but I believe we stand a good chance of winning,” said Stidoplh.

Despite being the pre-race favourite, Raffles will face a stiff challenge from Jaeger Moon who has been placed at 7/2.

Others to watch out for include Majestic Warrior (6/1), Buster Barnes (4/1), and Ideal View (7/1).

The rank outsider is Tradition who has 33/1 odds.