What the Dundee July means to the town’s economy….
With the Biltongfees and Talana Live, the Dundee July is now set in Dundee's annual calendar. It is high profile and, with all the media attention, guarantees top television and press coverage for the town.
First ran 13 years ago as a humble tribute to a horse riding tradition in the area, the Dundee July has grown to be the biggest event in Northern KZN.
With financial backing from the Department of Sport and Recreation in KZN, the Endumeni and Umzinyathi Municipalities, Gold Circle and private companies, the Dundee July is making a serious bid to unsaddle the more glamorous Durban July.
The horse riding was always the focus of the event and what makes this kind of racing so unique is that it is tripling rather than galloping as per the Durban July. This racing style means the jockey must be seated in such a way as to control his mount not to break into a gallop or face disqualification.
Tight security for Dundee July as 20 000 expected to flock to race track
Thousands of spectators to flock to Dundee July
Dundee July parade sets the scene for the big race day
There were several such disqualifications on Saturday and this lead to some upsets in some of the races. Bheki Ncube of the Department of Sport and Recreation said there were four such rulings in the main race which had a first prize of R100 000.
Over the last few years, the Dundee July has become synonymous with the music bash and the fashion and is used as a platform to give young up-and-coming designers a chance to shine.
The music party has seen many artistes entertain throughout the night – the noise levels have in recent years put the backs up of local residents living near the Horse Riding Track. This year there were fewer complaints even though the party carried on to the wee hours with Babeswodumo, DJ Sox, Tira, Qhosha and Zakwe on the main stage with hundreds of people dancing the night away on the race track.
The grandly laid out marquees, which hosted the VIPS, attracted politicians and models, while businesses used the opportunity to treat customers and guests.
Belinda Scott, KZN MEC for Finance, on Saturday tweeted: “Fabulous day at the 13th edition of the Dundee July 2018. This popular equestrian event is held under superb blue skies, gorgeous horses, stunning models and plenty of sumptuous food.”
Others, not as lucky to make it through the tight security, where a sought-after armband was needed to get one through the maze of speed fences, had to make it through the day on the steel grandstands. Others braaied outside the gated-off area, while cheering on their favourite horses.
Some of the younger spectators, who had climbed to the top of a flat-topped tree along-side the track, had a great vantage point with a sight of the start and the finish of the 2km track.
While some local residents say they dread Dundee July weekend because of the huge influx of vehicles, the blocked roads, loud music and sometimes drunken revellers taking to the streets, there is no doubt that the event is an economic shot-in-the-arm for the town. With over 1 000 beds needed for all the visitors, the accommodation establishments were full with many having to stay out of town.
Estimates from the Tourism Dundee are that this year’s Dundee July may have brought in an extra R4-million – from the obvious accommodation needs to the spin-offs – liquor stores, restaurants and takeaways, petrol stations and more.
With the Biltongfees and Talana Live, the Dundee July is now set in Dundee’s annual calendar. It is high profile and, with all the media attention, guarantees top television and press coverage for the town.
