Lucky Fish Gr1 Cape Derby 2026 – a sizzling finish as Wish List charges clear (Picture: Supplied)
Race Coast have reported that Saturday, 27 February 2027 will mark a historic moment for horse racing in South Africa with the inaugural Swiss Derby Day at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth in Cape Town.
The landmark race day will offer total prize money of R10 million, making it one of the richest race meetings ever staged in Cape Town.
The programme will feature seven races, headlined by the prestigious Swiss Derby (Grade 1) for three-year-old horses over 2000 metres, with prize money of R3 million.
To encourage large and competitive fields, prize money will be paid to the first eight finishers in every race.
Adding further excitement to the meeting is a unique R1 million jackpot, which will be shared among all trainers, jockeys, owners and breeders who win at least three races on Swiss Derby Day.
Swiss Derby Day Race Programme
RACE PRIZE MONEY DISTANCE
Race 1 R750 000 1800m
Race 2 R750 000 2400m
Race 3 R1 000 000 1600m
Race 4 R1 000 000 1400m
Race 5 R1 000 000 1200m
Race 6 R1 500 000 1200m
Race 7 R3 000 000 Derby Gr 1 2000m
The Swiss Derby Day has been initiated by Swiss entrepreneur Rolf Theiler and his Cape Town born wife Gloria Arendz Theiler. Rolf Theiler has longstanding ties to South Africa and the Cape Town region spanning more than 35 years.
Horses have played a central role in Theiler’s life.
A former successful show jumper, he founded the CSI (Concours de Saut International) Zurich in 1988, which went on to become the world’s most successful indoor show jumping tournament, an event he chaired for 30 years.
In recent years, Theiler has also become actively involved in South African horse racing, owning several racehorses in the country. Through his engagement with the local racing industry and many discussions with stakeholders, the concept for Swiss Derby Day emerged.
Theiler is convinced that the race day will attract Swiss companies and individuals as partners and sponsors, bringing a distinct Swiss flavour to the event. The national colours red and white will feature prominently, while racegoers will be able to enjoy Swiss culinary specialities and traditional Swiss folk music as part of the festivities.
“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,” said Rolf Theiler.
“The Swiss Derby Day is a fantastic example of how international collaboration can help strengthen the future of racing in South Africa,” said Race Coast Chairman, Greg Bortz. “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.”
The Swiss Derby Day is expected to become a major new highlight on the Cape racing calendar, combining world-class racing with international flair.
