Galloping towards July

EXCITEMENT: MOUNTING FOR AFRICA’S GREATEST HORSERACING EVENT

Reader will have a chance to experience phenomenon with an all-expenses paid weekend trip for two.

The Vodacom Durban July, to be run at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, July 1, is the one horse race that captures the imagination of even the most discerning individual. Little wonder. Africa’s greatest horseracing event has all the elements of a glamorous and lucrative affair for the 50 000 or so people who flock to the course every year.

The race generates interest from even people who cannot get to Durban for the occasion but rather run an office sweep, go to their local TAB or book into a venue at Turffontein in Jozi. The day offers something of interest for everyone.

One of our readers will win a trip to experience first-hand the phenomenon that is the July by entering our SMS competition.

First prize is an all-expenses-paid weekend for two in Durban, Friday to Sunday, with a great day’s racing on the Saturday.

The winner will be given a R3 000 clothing voucher so the lucky couple can be dressed to impress for the theme, “The Colour of Magic” – RED. The prize also includes R3 000 cash and R2 000 worth of TAB betting vouchers, as well as a R1 000 TAB Win and R1 000 TAB Place bet on the horse of their choice in the Durban July.

The Durban July, first run in 1897, is arguably the most exciting horse race in the country.

Run as a handicap on a notoriously tricky course, with its tight turns and short straight, there is normally a cavalry charge when noses turn for home and many a hardluck story – from horses and punters alike – afterwards.

It was the same last year when outsider The Conglomerate, ridden to perfection by a jockey who has become a household name, Piere Strydom, won.

There have been a large number of famous horses who have won the Durban July, but none more so than Sea Cottage.

In 1966 horse lovers all over the country were outraged when arguably the country’s favourite racehorse of his time was shot in the hindquarter a few weeks before the July.

He recovered in time to take part but failed to justify favouritism and finished fourth behind Java Head. The next year he won the hearts of the entire nation by putting in a late charge to share the honours with Jollify.