Drama as Power King wins Vodacom Durban July

A SENSE of déjà vu washed over Greyville Racecourse on Saturday 4 July as, for the second year running, the capacity crowd and millions of television viewers the world over waited on the edge of their seats for the final outcome of the Vodacom Durban July. In the end first across the line, Power King, claimed victory.

Africa’s greatest horseracing event lived up to expectation as race seven’s drama added to the glitz and the glamour of the morning’s array of fashion competitions, entertainment and on-track action and paved the way for a long night of celebrations and enjoyment for many.

Jockey, Stuart Randolph and Dean Kannemeyer who trained Power King were locked in a neck-and-neck tussle with fellow son of Silvano and Maine Chance Farms bred gelding Punta Arenas over the final few hundred meters before contact between the two and an objection delayed the announcement of the final standings for 10 agonizing minutes.

In the end the judges believed nothing was untoward and the results stood, sending some punters into elation while others were left wondering what could have been, the rest soaked up the final few rays of the gentle winter sun after a day of clear and warm conditions.

While the field was abuzz with punters and socialites, hundreds of fashionistas sporting outfits inspired by the cruise couture fashion theme, The Captain’s Table, had their eyes set on claiming a victory of their own as the day’s various race day competitions afforded them an opportunity to clinch a moment in the limelight.