![Event Z A Port Elizabeth Gold Cup 2026 jpg]()
4Racing Press Release
Johannesburg, South Africa — The 2026 renewal of the Port Elizabeth Gold Cup, the Eastern Cape’s most prestigious test of stamina, takes place at Fairview this Friday, 10 July.
The ornate Port Elizabeth Gold Cup floating trophy has become one of the most sought after on the calendar.
In 2024, the Drakenstein Team planned a carefully orchestrated offensive when the Lucky Houdalakis-trained BATTLEGROUND (Futura – Archerfield) raided Fairview to take the honours by 0.25 lengths from JUAN CARLOS.
Last year, the race went to Messrs Stephen Pieterse, Kosie de Klerk, Greg Kotzen & Robin Strydom’s HOME REEF (Erupt – Placid Sea) from the Sharon Kotzen stable under Malesela Katjedi. At the time, part owner Greg Kotzen said, “When I got here, I looked at this trophy and thought it’s amazing. I have handed it out to Alan (Greeff) a couple of times and I said jeez, this is one I’ve always wanted to win and just have a photo with it, so ja, HOME REEF did that for us.”
The HOME REEF team will be lining up to defend their title in this year’s event. After carrying a postage stamp 50kgs last year, the 4yo son of Erupt has been assigned 55kgs for this year’s race and will have the services of Chase Maujean. Sharon Kotzen confirmed that HOME REEF is a genuine stayer and said he is coming to hand at just the right time.
Asked what it meant to win one of the Eastern Cape’s biggest features, Sharon said “It’s one of the most prestigious races in Port Elizabeth. It’s just so special. It’s like our July.”
The 2026 Port Elizabeth Gold Cup will be run as race 6 on Friday’s card. Nine runners and riders will be vying to lift that magnificent cup and the field goes to post at 15:30.
All the races for the day are here: