Durban July is on – with little glam
HORSE RACE: FLAGSHIP EVENT WILL BE HELD BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AT GREYVILLE
Usually generates about R300m for the KwaZulu-Natal economy.
Unlisted horseracing and betting group Gold Circle has confirmed that it will go ahead with the 2020 edition of its flagship event, the Vodacom Durban July, but the race will be held behind closed doors.
“Vodacom and Gold Circle have confirmed a joint commitment to run Africa’s greatest horseracing event, but under the strictest adherence to all government health protocols surrounding Covid-19,” the group said in a statement.
This means the annual event, which generally attracts more than 50 000 spectators, tourists and fashionistas, will be staged “as a broadcast-only event behind closed doors” at Durban’s Greyville Racecourse.
The racing spectacle reportedly generates about R300 million for the KwaZulu-Natal economy, but the economic impact will be much less this year due to no spectators being allowed. Up to 40% of attendees are from outside the province, according to Tourism KZN statistics, which means the Durban hospitality sector is set to lose out.
“The Vodacom Durban July has enjoyed an uninterrupted history since first being run in 1897 – not even two world wars prevented the race from being run – and we are doing everything in our power to ensure that 2020 is not the exception,” says Gold Circle CEO Michel Nairac.
“Sadly, given the reality of the present circumstances, the race meeting will be staged behind closed doors and without spectators,” he says.
Gold Circle has already moved the event from the beginning of July to the end of July, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The race usually takes place on the first Saturday in July. The new proposed date is 25 July.
The group has, however, noted that due to the “extremely fluid nature” of the Covid-19 pandemic, things could change “as circumstances so dictate”.
“Any decision we make around the Vodacom Durban July this year will be made as a responsible company committed to the safety of all who are involved,” says Michelle van Eyden, the executive head of sponsorship at Vodacom.
“As a sponsor, we will work together with all relevant organisers and be guided by the horseracing fraternity and the experts in this industry, as well as in government.”
The horseracing, gaming and hospitality industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, together with related lockdown and travel restrictions.
Casinos, hotels, sit-down restaurants and entertainment facilities remain closed countrywide under lockdown Level 4. Significant easing is only expected in Levels 2 and 1.
The economic fallout from the pandemic saw Gold Circle’s main competitor, Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Limited, last week announce that it will file for business rescue and suspend trading of its shares on the JSE. Aviation group Comair announced a similar move in early May.
“The company has, for some time, experienced adverse economic and trading conditions. The effect thereof has been exacerbated by the nationwide lockdown resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic,” Phumelela said.
Since the lockdown came into effect, “the industry has not staged race meetings, retail betting outlets have been forced to close and the company has been unable to generate sufficient revenue”.