All roads lead to the Dundee July
The Dundee July offers a unique experience from the conventional elite horse racing events, as it combines both top class features of a South African race day with local flavours that seek to empower local residents to benefit from the growth of the industry.
As the dust settles after the bumper Durban July weekend, the focus of horse racing enthusiasts and fashionistas shifts this weekend to Dundee with the running of the 12th Dundee July.
The action starts on Friday with a street parade and residents will again brace themselves for the rush to Dundee as thousands of spectators are expected to enjoy the eight top races and, of course, the after music party at the Rural Horse Riding track that is expected to last until 6am on Sunday.
The day will also feature fashion shows whilst the two full international races featuring local breeds racing against horses from neighbouring provinces like Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Gauteng, as well as Lesotho, take place. With the stake money for the 2017 edition now topping R545 000 for the first time in the history of the race, jockeys and horse owners have a lot to look forward to.
Local fashion designers, jockeys from around the Province, local vendors, accommodation and hospitality establishments are all set to benefit, with over 15 000 people expected to descend on Dundee.
This can only mean excitement for horse racing enthusiasts with fierce competition expected.
The Dundee July offers a unique experience from the conventional elite horse racing events, as it combines both top class features of a South African race day with local flavours that seek to empower local residents to benefit from the growth of the industry.
Local fashion designers, jockeys from around the Province, local vendors, accommodation and hospitality establishments are all set to benefit, with over 15 000 people expected to descend on Dundee.
Commenting on the increase in stake money, MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, said the interest shown by corporates and private business to invest in the Dundee July is a clear indication of the growth potential for the rural horse riding industry.
“We are excited by the level of growth shown by the Dundee July over the years. We have said it before that we want to make this a worthwhile experience for participating jockeys and horse owners and the increase in the stake money will create good competition.
“This can only be good for the growth of the rural horse riding industry,” she said.
Confirmed stake sponsors are as follows:
Amathole Funerals and Village Events: R300 000
Ithala Bank: R100 000
Orange Grove Dairy: R50 000
Hollywood Bets: R50 000
KZN Gaming and Betting: R45 000
Other partners: Rural Horse Riding Association, Coastal Horse Care Unit, KZN Fashion Council, Gold Circle, Ukhozi FM and Isolezwe.
