Three days of festivities at Dundee July

THE northern KwaZulu-Natal town of Dundee is all set for the pounding of hooves after the 13th edition of the Dundee July was launched yesterday.

The popular annual event begins with festivities on July 18 and 19 before more than 20000 enthusiasts are expected to converge on the Dundee Race Track on Saturday, July 21.

And the stakes for jockeys and racehorse owners are higher than ever with the MEC for Arts and Culture, Sport and Recreation, Bongi SitholeMoloi, announcing stake money of R950 000.

A stake of close to R1million is a considerable advance on last year’s figure of R500 000.

Emphasising that the Dundee July is about the development of the horse-racing industry, Sithole-Moloi said: “We are paying attention to ensuring that participating in the Dundee July becomes a worthwhile effort and investment for jockeys and owners.

“One day we want to realise our vision of seeing the Dundee July grow further, and become less dependent on the government.”

The provincial government is committed to the growth of the event and has so far invested R10m in the improvement of the race track and the fencing. A further R5.5m is being invested this year into the infrastructure required to host the race.

Adding to the excitement of the day is that racegoers will have an opportunity to place a wager on their favourite horses in each of the eight races.

Each year since the first Dundee July was held in 2005 the number of racegoers has increased, and it has grown into a three-day event with the race day preceded by two days of fashion and entertainment.

A trade and exhibition fair begins the festivities, giving locals and visitors an opportunity to buy clothing, crafts, food, horse-grooming products and souvenirs. Fashion shows, music, dance and food tasting are included in the three-day programme.

What promises to be a colourful street carnival takes place on the Friday, beginning with a parade through the streets of Dundee led by bikers and the horses and jockeys, followed by an exhibition of traditional clothing, fashion from KZN’s emerging designers and traditional dancing.

The Ithala International Race is one of two international races on the card, and includes jockeys and horses from Lesotho, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.