The 120th anniversary of Africa’s biggest horse race took place in the South African coastal city of Durban, at Greyville racecourse on the first Saturday of July. NEARLY 50,000 race goers, South African celebrities and politicians, were in attendance at one of the country’s biggest social occasions. It wasn’t just a horse race event but we can say for a fact it could have been mistaken for a fashion show.
The “Durban July” handicap race was filled with fashion conscious crowds, networking celebrities, fun atmosphere which nearly overtook the horse ACTION. Among the crowds was renowned fashion follower Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, as well as Bongi Ngema, who is one of Zuma’s four wives, King Letsie III of Lesotho and many television personalities.
Participants graced the occasion experimenting with Multi-colored ensembles, men in tuxedos and designer suits , women in OUTLANDISH hats and statement neck pieces; we see the reason why everyone was competing for the best dressed prize. Me and my friends always come here for the entertainment and fashion, we know nothing about horses and betting, We usually start planning for this day from February — the clothes to match perfectly, plus travel arrangements and entertainment, It requires a lot of money ” said Thina Thusi, a 31-year-old public relations manager from Johannesburg.
We can say for a fact a fact that this should event can be called a National day. Saturday’s 12 aces were expected to ATTRACT 200-million rand ($15 million/13 million euros) in bets from punters nationwide. According to Imagine Racing magazine, a win in the race “places a horse in an elite group of equine champions and paves the way for a potential stud career”. Tourism officials said the event generates about $20 million in revenue for the city of Durban.
