Just 3 years after launching the first ever Grooms Initiative, to recognise the important role that Grooms play in the KwaZulu-Natal Horseracing Industry, Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle were proud to celebrate the 3000th winner on Saturday 10 June.
Daniel Sithole, groom of the first race winner at Hollywoodbets Greyville, Rainbow Reward, was presented with a bonus prize of R3000 to commemorate this significant milestone.
Fittingly, this milestone celebration kicked off the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge race meeting.
Vuyisile Ngobese (right), PR Officer of Hollywood Foundation, presenting Daniel Sithole winner of the 3000th Groom’s Initiative reward (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Daniel has worked for the Johan Janse van Vuuren stable for two years, and rates Hollywoodbets Durban July nominee Puerto Manzano as the best racehorse he has looked after.
Thus far the initiative, powered by Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle, has paid out a total of over R3,6 million to 1206 different grooms in KZN, with 629 grooms winning on multiple occasions.
Tinashe Nasho, from the Clinton Binda stable, has been the most successful groom having won the incentive 21 times. His notable horses are Kings Road (6-time winner) and Life Goes On (3-time winner).
“The focus of this initiative was always more than just rewarding the grooms over and above their normal earnings. It was about highlighting the importance of their role in the horse racing ecosystem, and how the work and effort they put into preparing horses for racing should be highlighted, praised and incentivised. It has been incredible following the journey of the Grooms’ Initiative, and how it has made such an impact on the horseracing industry. Not only from rewarding over R3,6 million to the grooms that had winning horses in KwaZulu-Natal, but how similar formats of this initiative have been adopted in all South African racing centres, with grooms benefitting countrywide,” said Devin Heffer, Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager.
“The life of a Groom is far from easy. The hours are long and frequently the weather conditions are very challenging. Gold Circle is committed to finding meaningful ways to support the grooms and recognise their importance. So, when Hollywoodbets approached us with the Groom’s Initiative concept 3 years ago, we were immediately sold on the idea and it has been in place ever since,” said Michel Nairac, CEO of Gold Circle.
He continued, “It is amazing to celebrate these milestone moments to recognise the vital role that grooms play in our industry. Thanks must also go to Hollywoodbets and the Hollywood Foundation for continuing to find ways to support all stakeholders in our industry with sponsorships, contributions to top up stakes and these types of added rewards.”
- Media release by Gold Circle on Saturday, 10 June 2023
