Excitement builds for fun Derby Day

IT IS a festive weekend for horse racing in the Eastern Cape, but also a huge test for everyone involved in the big Derby Day.

On Sunday, the 54th running of the East Cape Derby takes place at Fairview in Port Elizabeth.

Derby Day is one of the Eastern Cape’s biggest meetings annually and an opportunity for the Bay’s racing to shine at all levels.

For Luciano Passerini, general manager of Phumelela Horseracing in the Eastern Cape, and his team, it is a challenge to make sure there are no hiccups on the day.

A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes, but for most it is a grand, fun day to look forward to and enjoy.

Since 2005, the derby has only once been won by a Port Elizabeth trainer. It was Mitch Wiese who landed the spoils in 2009 with that wonderful horse, Lizard’s Desire.

The Cape Town raiders have been dominating this race in recent years. The Port Elizabeth trainers would love to get back in the Derby Day winners box, but it looks like it could well be another Cape Town stable walking away with the honours this year.

Among the visiting horses, St Tropez, Master’s Eye and My World look like good sorts. The Bay’s hope would probably be Kalamain, trained by Port Elizabeth champion Alan Greeff.

Fairview will be a festive place if Greeff, or one of the other Port Elizabeth trainers represented in the derby, Gavin Smith and Steven Janse van Rensburg, could pull off a victory.

The derby festivity combines with the Bay’s second Prawn Festival. Three tons of succulent prawns will be on sale at the Prawn Tent.

There will also be a Mother’s Day market, fashion show, a children’s play area and lots of lucky draws.

Before we get to Sunday’s action we have eight races on the Fairview polytrack today. This competitive meeting will no doubt get everyone in the right mood for Derby Day.

Hopefully it will also give the wallet a boost to tackle the Derby meeting with a vengeance.

Punters’ Pal tips for Fairview: