Who needs Durban — the Joburg July rocks
Race provides contest for Highveld party
FESTIVITIES at the Vodacom Durban July may have been 600km away, but that did not deter Joburg party animals from throwing their own do in tribute to South Africa’s richest horse racing event.
Montecasino in Fourways was the venue for the annual Pink Punter party last Saturday — a “copycat” version of the July.
The event — which attracted more than 1 600 revellers — is in its 12th year and was started so that those living in Gauteng would not feel left out of the July festivities. POSH IN PINK: Dressed to kill — mostly in various shades of pink — guests made their way to the outdoor event area at the casino from mid-morning. In Durban July style, a mini tent town was set up to allow guests to mingle and feast. Of course, no mock race day would be complete without sparkling wine and other alcoholic beverages, which kept guests in high spirits. As the afternoon drew near, most were a tad tipsy but still standing. ON THE RIGHT TRACK: Punters queued at the makeshift tote that had been set up to allow them to put their money on their favourite horses. True to tradition, as the main race started shortly after 4pm, everyone gathered around the big screens.
They watched with bated breath as the winning horse, Heavy Metal, thundered down the track to win the R3.5-million race.
And then there were screams of joy — I guess many walked away with a few extra rands in their pockets. OVERALL: Although I had fun at the Pink Punters party, I must confess that all I could think about was the marvellous atmosphere at the Durban July — being a former Durban resident myself. But hats off to the organisers — Jodie Howalth, Jono Gay and Warwick Bouwer — for capturing the essence of the July.