Final Field Confirmed for the 2026 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met
South Africa’s Premier Weight-for-Age Contest Takes Shape
Published by World Sports Betting (WSB)
The stage is officially set for one of the most prestigious races on the South African calendar, with the final field confirmed for the 2026 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Grade 1).
Run over 2000 metres at weight-for-age, and boasting a total prize purse of R5 million, the Cape Town Met once again brings together the very best middle-distance talent in the country. This year’s renewal promises a compelling mix of champions, rising stars, and tactical intrigue — all converging on racing’s biggest stage.
A Historic Challenge for Justin Snaith
Few trainers arrive at the Cape Town Met with a stronger hand than Justin Snaith, who will saddle an extraordinary six of the eleven runners. Already a three-time consecutive winner of the race, Snaith now stands on the brink of history as he attempts to secure an unprecedented fourth Met victory in a row.
What makes the challenge even more remarkable is the diversity within the sextet. Each runner brings a different racing profile, giving the yard enormous tactical flexibility in a race where pace, positioning, and split-second decisions often decide the outcome.
The Defending Champion Leads a Powerful Line-Up
At the head of the field is Eight On Eighteen, South Africa’s reigning Horse of the Year, who returns to defend his crown after a superb 2025 campaign. Proven at the highest level and blessed with a devastating turn of foot, he is once again expected to play a major role.
Stable companions See It Again and Okavango add further depth to the Snaith challenge. Either would not only continue the stable’s remarkable run of success, but would also mean four consecutive Cape Town Met wins achieved with four different horses — a feat that would underline the operation’s dominance on the national stage.
Jonathan Snaith has hinted that Okavango could be the most likely pace influence among the stable runners, potentially shaping the complexion of the race and forcing rivals into early tactical decisions.
Strong Opposition Ready to Strike
While the Snaith contingent commands attention, the opposition is far from overmatched.
The Real Prince, a consistent Grade 1 performer, brings proven class and durability to the contest, while Cosmic Speed represents the powerful Sean Tarry yard with strong form credentials over this trip.
Gladatorian, Garrix, and Sail The Seas all arrive with solid recent performances and the ability to capitalise should the race unfold in their favour. Add the international flavour of The Equator (IRE), and the depth of this year’s field becomes clear.
With all runners competing strictly at weight-for-age, this renewal sets up as a pure test of class, stamina, and racecraft.
Final Field – 2026 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met (Grade 1)
Prize Money Breakdown
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1st: R2,968,750
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2nd: R950,000
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3rd: R475,000
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4th: R237,500
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5th: R118,750
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Racing Control Incentive Scheme: R250,000
Betting, Insights & What’s Coming Next
With the final field confirmed, attention now turns to the barrier draw, market movements, and tactical previews.
Punters can already explore the latest betting on the 2026 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met here:
👉 https://bit.ly/wsbmet2026
Be sure to tune into the WSB Cape Town Met Card Call on Sunday, 25 January at 18:30, where BOOSTED odds will be available on every runner, alongside expert race-by-race insights.
Special markets, exotics, and flagship promotions — including the Deposit Match, Second Place Refund, and R1 Million Predictor — will be rolling out in the lead-up to race day.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 World Sports Betting Cape Town Met shapes up as a race rich in narrative and quality. A champion defending his title, a master trainer chasing history, and a deep supporting cast all combine to deliver a contest worthy of its status as South Africa’s premier weight-for-age race.
With the final field locked in, the countdown to race day truly begins.
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