July blows cold
But despite gale warnings, Durban is still going to party
GALE-force winds and rain could influence both the racing and the fashion at the R4.25 million Vodacom Durban July. But, come rain or shine, Durban is set to party.
The 55 000 July punters will have to ponder if the weather conditions will influence their picks for the main race. Who will fare best out of the fancied few – Bela-Bela, Black Arthur or Mambo Mime?
As for the fashionistas, a warm coat or shawl might be a sensible addition to the day’s wardrobe.
The SA Weather Service said a warning for gale-force winds issued late last night would be monitored throughout today.
And, if you plan to party anywhere near the beach, be wary of high seas, where the waves are expected to reach as high as 6.5m.
Thandiwe Gumede, forecaster at the Durban weather office, said: “A cold front bringing gale-force south-westerly winds began last night, and today temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 17ºC in Durban. There is also a 30 percent chance of rain.”
The race over 2 200m will start at 4.20pm, but proceedings will be shown live on SABC 3 from 1.30pm.
Yesterday an army of workers – including waiters and waitresses, caterers and interior decorators – were putting the finishing touches to the massive village of tents that has sprung up at Greyville. Hopefully the tents are well secured against today’s strong winds.
Ladies will have to hold on to their hats. Whether the blustery weather will lead to modifications to the fashion theme, “Leader of the Pack”, remains to be seen.
But the city is “fully booked”. Durban spokesman for the Federated Hospitality Association of SA, Charles Preece, said: “Most, if not all, places are fully booked. From hotels to bed and breakfasts, all are running at capacity, and it’s going extremely well for them. It’s not just the hospitality industry that benefits – the Durban July is good for the image of Durban,” he said.
Spokeswoman for eThekwini Municipality Tozi Mthethwa said more than 2 million visitors were expected in Durban during the July holidays, and according to their research, this would see the hotel occupancy rate averaging 85 percent.
“Approximately 940 temporary jobs will be created during this period, injecting approximately R1 billion into the KZN economy,” she said.
Motorists have been warned to adhere to the rules of the road, including parking by-laws, as metro police will be out in full force.
“Motorists are urged to ensure that they park legally in the area, as metro police will be on site conducting by-law enforcement operations. The city has allocated 72 officers to control traffic around the racecourse vicinity.”
Meanwhile, most serious punters will be banking on Anthony Delpech having chosen the “right one”.
The four-time July-winning jockey has had the pick of Justin Snaith’s strong quartet of It’s My Turn, Black Arthur, Dynamic and Bela-Bela, as well as Dean Kannemeyer’s pair of Solid Speed and Mambo Mime. He plumped for the grey filly Bela-Bela.
Being the only grey in the field, and the favourite to boot, Bela-Bela will attract much of the “mug money”, so her tote odds may be misleading. That aside, she has done little wrong, and Delpech is no mug.
Local pundits got their first view of Winter Guineas and Winter Classic winner Marinaresco at the July gallops.
Big-race rider Grant van Niekerk had his hand out like a beggar at a Durban traffic light asking for compliments after Marinaresco’s impressive win in a slow-run Winter Classic.
And if predictions of a slow pace today are correct, his 18 draw could turn into a blessing, because he will be able to avoid the usual early scrimmaging.
There is not much of Marinaresco, but he gave the impression in his gallop that he does not like to be beaten. Ears back, he was determined to get past his racing rival.
He had a reputation for being a savage – trying to chew up the opposition in a race, rather than beat them – before being gelded, so he may have diverted some aggro into racing instead of fighting.
Small horses have won this race. The Pat Shaw-trained Teal in 1995 was not much bigger than a pony, while Flash On in 1953 was also a tad on the diminutive side.
Victory would also be fitting for Mike Bass, a winner of three Julys, as this will be his final before handing over the reins of his yard to his daughter, Candice Robinson.
Of the older horses, French Navy and Solid Speed have the best credentials. Of the three-year-olds, Marinaresco, It’s My Turn, Ten Gun Salute and Bela-Bela strike as a good quartet.
SUNSHINE, surf and the Vodacom Durban July have attracted scores of people from across the country.
The Independent on Saturday walked along the beachfront yesterday to find out what people were getting up to.
Elton Mcrowdie, 30, and his friends drove from Joburg. “We road-tripped here in a minibus just for the Durban July.
“We come every year. We’re here to do the whole nine yards. From betting, to the marquees and the after parties, we’re doing it all.”
The “whole nine yards” includes attending pre-parties.
“Tonight (yesterday) we’ll be off to the Fact Durban Rocks pre-party and we’ll see where the night takes us from there,” said Mcrowdie.
Today, he and his friends will be looking dapper.
“We’ll be dressed for the occasion but aren’t planning our outfits around the theme.”
The rest of their weekend will be spent exploring the city. “On Sunday we want to spend some time in uMlazi to experience the kasi lifestyle.”
Surfer Alex Fourie and his friends from Cape Town said: “We came to Durban to celebrate our mate’s 30th birthday. We won’t be going to the race, though, we’d rather spend our time at the beach,” said Fourie.
“We’re going to be surfing and flying our drones all weekend long over the ocean to catch the surfers in action.”
A group of leather-clad bikers proved that Durban has other events on offer.
“We’re going to the Bikers Rally but it’s possible that we might also end up going to the races,” said Kanjalo Somfana.
The Sisonke MCC and Born to Cruise bikers were brought together by their passion for doing good.
“We are an NPO and raise money for charity.”
The bikers plan on going to the pre-parties to represent their organisation.
Visiting all the way from Botswana is Thabo Ramonaka, 33, for a holiday at the beach. Although she will not be spending today at the races, Ramonaka has been celebrating July fever in her own way, by touring the city, walking along the beach and enjoying the sea.
From Gauteng is Kgothatso Motale, 30. “I’m going to the uShaka Marine pre-party and then the July. I’m going to dress smart in something colourful.”
She confessed she isn’t the betting type, but might be tempted by the atmosphere.