Avontuur Estate
One of South Africa’s premier racedays will be held at Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday 7 December. It is the race that every owner and breeder of a smart filly wants to win and the Gr1 Cape Fillies Guineas will be run for an increased stake of R1 million this year. It is sponsored for the eighth time by champion breeders, Avontuur Estate.
The Avontuur Estate Fillies Guineas raceday has established itself alongside the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate as an elegant and sophisticated racing and social occasion that caters for the racing purist and the socialist, alike.
It is a day of understated glamour and elegance, where the focus remains firmly on the high quality horse racing. Fashion, wine and great entertainment combine seamlessly with the on track action, to produce a memorable day out. The illustrious honour roll over the years includes champions like Sun Classique, Captain’s Lover, Sparkling Gem, Field Flower, Ebony Flyer, Princess Victoria and last year’s unbeaten Rumya.
Speaking after the stakes increase was announced, Avontuur’s Michael Taberer expressed his delight. “It’s really great that we can raise the calibre of participants in the race in this way, and thereby highlight the excellent work done over the years by the Avontuur team and all our supporters to establish the event on the racing calendar. It’s an endorsement of our intention to grow the race and we look forward to a new era of even better racing.”
The country’s top trainers have also indicated that they are looking forward to the day. “The prize money increase definitely gives owners an incentive to race in the Fillies Guineas and keep our race fillies in the country, which is what we need to increase the calibre of our race mares, ultimately improving our young stock even more,” commented champion trainer Mike de Kock.
Vodacom Durban July winner Sean Tarry was also positive about the announcement: “No doubt Avontuur is the driving force behind the stake increase which is great as all Gr1’s should have a stake which is equal. It will now certainly be one of our big targets this season.”
Veteran Cape trainer Mike Bass was delighted to hear that the stake had been increased to where it should be, as he believes that this race, together with the Paddock Stakes are the two most prestigious fillies races on the SA racing calendar. Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh says that the sponsorship supports her belief that the backbone of the breeding industry is its fillies and mares.
“I know the stallions get all the attention, but in truth the quality of your broodmare band makes the difference between excellent and adequate as a breeder, and winning this race sets the scene for future success as a broodmare,” she added.
Phumelela Sales Executive Clyde Basel said that they were very excited and looking forward to some of the best fillies in action competing for the big prize on what is becoming a most popular race day, with the addition of the Intercontinental Village adding to the activities on offer at Kenilworth.”
Booking is absolutely essential! Trainers and owners should also note that entries close at 11h00 on Monday 18 November, and supplementary entries will be accepted until 11h00 Monday, 25 November. Declarations are due by 11h00 on Thursday 28 November and the draws will be done electronically by the National Racing Bureau. The Final Field Announcement will be made at an event on Thursday, 28 November.
