The 2017 Western Cape Equine Trust Charity Day breaks all records

– The 2017 Western Cape Equine Trust (WCET) Day was not only a fun day out, but proved a huge success for the Cape’s rehoming charity.

The Summer Cup meeting may have been rained out and TAB may have had gremlins all day, but it did not dampen the spirits of the Kenilworth Room crowd.

Prominent owner Etienne Braun went to R52,000 to secure a trip to the Epsom Derby (generously sponsored by Kuda Insurance, WCET Chairman Ken Truter and Investec), but with cricket legend Robin Jackman as MC, there was lively bidding for all the auctions items, including a game drive at Arcen-Ciel, fine wines, fine jewellery and more.

A record 220 lunch guests supported the raffle with enthusiasm. There was a specially created menu by Dish Catering, wonderful wines for the table courtesy of Avontuur, Vondeling and Antonij Rupert Wines and generous race sponsorships from Cape Thoroughbred Sales, Drakenstein Stud, Betting World, Vaughan Marshall Racing, Mayfair Stallions, Klawervlei Stud, Snaith Racing and Ridgemont Racing.

However, the biggest endorsement of all was the personal support, as leading breeders, trainers and owners turned out in force to support the initiative of responsible rehoming and by the time the last guests were waved home, the charity had collected a phenomenal R375,000 (up R115,000 on last year) for this extraordinary cause.

An awed Truter commented: “My committee and I are extremely pleased with this result and would like to thank everybody for their support and generosity.”

Congratulations to Truter and his team for a great day out, but most importantly for the wonderful work they do.