Every day in our country and around the world, we are adjusting our lifestyles and social events to accommodate the lockdown and the related social distancing practices that come with COVID-19.
This year, Africa’s most iconic race, the Vodacom Durban July, is not immune to these restrictions.
For the first time ever, the race – and in fact the entire race meeting – will be staged “behind closed doors” at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday 25 July 2020.
Not since the 2010 FIFA World Cup was hosted in South Africa has the Vodacom Durban July been run on the last Saturday of July.
Traditionally, the event has always been held on the first weekend of the month. However, this will be the first time ever that Hollywoodbets Greyville will not be bulging at the seams with 50 000 spectators and party-goers.
This year, apart from the racing personnel and officials, the equine heroes will have the racecourse to themselves. There will be no spectators, no roaring crowd to cheer them on. This will be the ultimate epitome of “The Show must go on”. But the eyes and ears of the nation will not be closed to what is happening on the day.
In these unprecedented times, it is about pivoting and making the most of your circumstances.
As title sponsor of the prestigious Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, SA’s largest bookmaker completely supports this decision, and is enthusiastically looking at ways to ensure that fans can enjoy their favourite race day, while maximum safety precautions are taken.
Hollywoodbets’ Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer is excited to be part of the team working on this ground-breaking event.
“We are so pleased to be able to play a role in something like this, a complete reinvention of a race we all know and love so well. Hopefully, we can create some new traditions to enrich the Vodacom Durban July in the years to come,” said Heffer.
“The entire Vodacom Durban July organising committee, along with all the stakeholders, have been working hard behind the scenes to find various ways of making this the most unique and memorable Vodacom Durban July experience for everyone.
“Efforts are being put into making this year’s race more accessible, investigating numerous online and social options to broadcast this historic event. DStv has already come to the party, confirming that 2,5 hours of the race meeting will be broadcast on SuperSport.
“Fashion and entertainment are still a major focus for the day, with new and inventive ways being explored to showcase these elements.
With Lockdown Level 3 coming into effect on 1 June, horse racing in South Africa has been given the green light to resume under strict conditions.
The initial comeback race meeting takes place at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday, and will be the first since 26 March 2020.
Gold Circle, who operate and administer horse racing in KwaZulu-Natal, has been working tirelessly with all the different stakeholders to make sure that the sport gets up and running again.
“Over the past few months, we have been impressed with how everyone in the racing fraternity has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have seen this industry rise to the occasion as strict measures were put in place to protect the incredible animals and people that work so hard to ensure that horse racing is ready for this resumption – a resumption that will ensure that the 2020 edition of the Vodacom Durban July will not be lost. Just to give one example, both Summerveld and Ashburton training centres have been on full lockdown with no members of the public – or even owners, allowed on site! We applaud Gold Circle, Vodacom and all the stakeholders for their commitment and tenacity.
“We now look forward to watching the best horses in the country in full flight come the final Saturday of July. We anticipate that more people than ever will be tuning in, to take part in this historic day!”
- Press release by Hollywoodbets on Friday 29 May 2020
- Pics by Gameplan Media & Candiese Lenferna
