Hollywoodbets, local companies, unite to support equine welfare
Hollywoodbets and other local businesses are making a tangible difference in the lives of horses and donkeys, supporting the vital work of the Highveld Horse Care Unit.
South Africa.- Established betting company Hollywoodbets has led a corporate sponsorship drive alongside six other businesses to support the Highveld Horse Care Unit (HHCU), an equine welfare organisation that provides vital care and sanctuary for horses and donkeys in need.
The fundraising initiative was commemorated by a special charity race day held at Turffontein on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with proceeds going towards the organisation’s goal of providing a haven for retired and rescued horses and donkeys.
The seven companies, including Hollywoodbets, Top Bets, Mining Pressure Systems, Gary Mann Estates, Bryanston Auctioneers, Ridgemont Stud and Glistian Events, contributed between R20,000 (€972) and R30,000 (€1,458) each to secure naming rights for individual races.
Two lifelong horse enthusiasts, Dorrie and Mark Sham, with a proven track record in equine welfare, spearhead the initiative.
Dorrie said: “A record R420,000 was raised at our most recent function, held at Fairview in March, made possible by a large, surprise contribution from an anonymous donor. There are always a handful of kind, anonymous givers. Each donation, large or small, helps to make the end result all the more meaningful.”
Since its founding in 1991, the HHCU has grown from a humble beginning focused on rehoming retired racehorses to providing vital services such as educating horse owners, neglect and cruelty investigations and medical treatment for horses and donkeys.
