The Vodacom Durban July is now in its third century of a colourful history and proud tradition. Run for the first time in 1897 over a mile, it has stood the test of time and endurance through two World Wars. The race has also developed into a mega-event and today it is a serious money spinner and tourist magnet on the East Coast. It has sadly though probably never been run in the shadow of a more tumultuous and uncertain political soapie than that which is currently playing itself out behind the closed doors of power.
Give me the jollytics. Bugger the politics. With the third biggest horseracing social event behind the J&B Met and the L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate only a matter of a week away, the serious debate in the totes and pubs by the real people that seriously love their racing, is all about a possible July winner. The speculative anxiety, whispers and bulldust surrounding horseracing’s own world war and the top-secret commercial chess-games of alleged asset disposal, takeovers of the Cape and wheeler-dealing will hopefully take a backseat as we all enjoy the build-up to what is bound to be a great day of racing entertainment on 2 July.
SHADOWS
The July, the third biggest event? What’s this idiot on about this week again, you are thinking. That was a little tongue-in-cheek attention- getter and now that we are on the same page, I acknowledge that Greyville’s big one is on a par with Kenilworth’s two biggies.
There is one marked difference though between Greyville and Kenilworth. That late afternoon Greyville grandstand shadow kills the photo opportunities, the camerawork and a lot of the atmosphere. The knowledgeable and vastly experienced, now retired, Gold Circle Racing Executive Colin Aitken often explained that the race is run at about 16h20 as historically that time has been shown to optimize viewership and turnover, and everything related thereto. It used to be run quite a bit earlier in the good old days but this year the race has two big counter attractions to take cognizance of and hopefully the timing of the race will not be too abrasive. The Monaco Royal Wedding, between the late Movie star Grace Kelly’s son. HSH Prince Albert 11 and South African born Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock, takes place at 17h00 on 2 July. Then the Wimbledon Ladies final is another distraction, but not an entirely unique one, played the same afternoon.
HISTORY
The Vodacom Durban July website (www.vodacomdurbanjuly.co.za) is well worth a visit and makes for interesting reading for any enthusiast looking for a sentimental walk down memory lane.
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Some interesting titbits:
GO THE EXTRA MILE: The distance of the race went from a mile to 1670m in 1906. Obviously any reference to meters in these early days is an approximation. In 1913 it increased to 1800m and in 1915 went to 2000m, where it remained until 1940. In1941 the distance was increased to 2100m and then finally in 1970 increased to its current distance of 2200m.
IS AGE JUST A NUMBER? Probably not but only one two year old has ever won it. That was in 1911. Due to changing race conditions the next few statistics make for interesting reading. The three year olds have won it 31 times but 50% of the last twenty years. The four year olds have won it 42 times but 35% of the last twenty years. The five year olds have won it 26 times. The six year olds don’t have a great record. The last winner was Beau Art some thirty one years ago and only eleven of this age group have won it in total. Only five seven year olds have ever won it.
WEIGHTY ISSUES? The lightest weight ever was the 38,5kg carried by Nymagee in 1904 and Margin in 1916. The most weight was the 66kg carried by Campanajo in 1898. He also won the first running of the race a year earlier. One of the supporting features on the day is named after this dual winner..
MASS APPEAL: Since 1970 when the distance of the race changed to 2200m, the following horses carrying 55kgs or more have won:
1978 Politician 57kgs ; 1980 Beau Art 55,5kgs ; 2000 El Picha 58kgs ; 2007 Hunting Tower 55kgs ; 2008 Pocket Power 58kgs ; 2010 Bold Silvano 55,5kgs
DOUBLE :With last year’s winner Bold Silvano not in this year’s field, the record of consecutive winners will not be added to in 2011 . Only four horses have achieved this distinction: Campanajo (1897/98); Corriecrian (1907/1908); Milesia Pride (1949/50) and El Picha (1999/2000).
PLACES
Tote betting on the July opens on Monday 27 June so nobody has any excuses for not getting their bets on. This year Saftote are uniquely offering place payouts up to sixth finisher and apparently the racing operators are chipping part of their takeout back in to ensure the pool is ‘not diluted’ by the six places. I must admit that I don’t quite understand the mathematical impact here, while not questioning the principle and good intention behind the move – which I assume is of trying to ensure more winners, particularly in the once-a-year punter market. If we make the calculation that they are now paying out 50% more places then is it really going to help that they inject a percentage of their takeout, which I assume will be after tax and other deductions? Is it really going to make an impact or will the nett effect of the anticipated increased pool (the place pool on July 2011 was R6,3 million) make the difference? Based on the 2011 pool it somehow seems a miniscule contribution that they are making a fuss about. It would be interesting to get clarity from the relevant authority to prove that this is not a bit of marketing waffle or have a mathematically orientated independent brain do the projections.
INVITATION
C’mon racing fans, support this initiative. If you are in the Cape on Saturday 2 July and are not excited about the outlay of the cost of a tiring Mango flight to Durban, what about a peach of a Right Royal Affair down at Kenilworth Racecourse? No waiting in tote queues, no parking hassles. Bring your family and friends and come along for a memorable afternoon. Gold Circle are laying on entertainment, which includes full television coverage of whatever grabs your fancy – Monaco, Wimbledon, Greyville and other Supersport options. There will be lucky draws and spot prizes and full betting and catering and bar facilities. They are also offering an a la carte menu on the 1st Floor, and the Pocket Power Lounge on the second floor will be open. For Restaurant Bookings contact Racecourse Caterers on 021-7976037 or 021-7001678 or contact Sandy Barrett on 082 9246607.
