Summer of Champions Race Day

Usher in Cape Town summer with the first horse racing event of the 2014-2015 season in Durbanville

Don your sunhats and lather on that factor 30 sunscreen for a scintillating day at the races. The Summer of Champions marks the start of the Western Cape’s horse racing season at the Durbanville Racecourse on Saturday, 4 October 2014.

Previously hosted as an intimate by-invitation-only race day, this equine event throws its doors open and invites the horse racing elite and newbie and veteran betters as well as families for a fun day out in the Northern Suburbs. Sun worshippers can look forward to live entertainment, fashion shows (what race day is complete without one), yummy grub, games for the kiddies and, of course, thrilling horse races.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2014 SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS RACE DAY AT DURBANVILLE RACECOURSE

EXCLUSIVE EQUESTRIAN EVENT: The result of a collaboration with Kuda Insurance and Lanzerac Hotel and Spa, this premier event sees top-notch horses participate in a number of races throughout the day. The two main contests are the Grade 3 Kuda Matchem Stakes and the Grade 3 Lanzerac Diana Stakes (the fillies equivalent of the former), each of which has a prize purse of R250, 000 and comprises a prestigious honour roll of competitors.

THE CAPE JOCKEY CHASE: Apart from seeing sleek thoroughbreds dash to the finishing line, spectators can also check out the second annual Cape Jockey’s Chase, where these petite horse riders take to the course themselves and sprint 150m for a good cause. Each of the 24 participants will be sponsored by various horse racing stakeholders, and all proceeds will go to the Western Cape Association for Persons with Disabilities.

FOOD & DRINKS: Of course, the day would not be complete without some yummy nosh, and accordingly, race day-goers can order picnic baskets beforehand, pick and choose from the food stalls available or the a la carte menu at the on-site eatery. What’s more, there will also be a mini wine route at the course on the day with five of the Cape’s wineries in attendance. A tasting glass is included in the ticket price, and while moms and dads sample the fermented fruits of the vine, little ones can do a sophisticated fruit juice tasting. Alternatively, if you’re more of a barley and hops fan, there will be a beer garden, which comes complete with big screen TVs screening the Springboks vs. All Blacks game on the day.

LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT: Not only will attendees be entertained by the races on the day, there will also be a lekker line-up of live tunes. Visitors can expect to see the likes of Marius Swanepoel, Rocking Eve, Venessa Lotter and Rooies Grobbelaar. What’s more, for those looking for the latest summer trends, there will also be a fashion show presenting this year’s race-day couture. And last but certainly not least, little ones will be kept entertained with a number of fun and games, including jumping castles, pony rides, face painting and so much more.

ENTRY TO THE 2014 SUMMER OF CHAMPIONS RACE DAY AT DURBANVILLE RACECOURSE

Entry to the event is gratis, mahala and for free. Those who’d like to pre-purchase a ticket to the wine and fruit juice route can do so via Computicket.com or at the venue on the day, and passes cost R30p/p for adults and R15p/p for kids younger than 18 years of age; the price includes a tasting glass.

To pre-order your picnic basket, contact Micaela by telephone on +27 (0) 21 700 1600.

Gates open at 11am and the event shuts down at 7pm.
---
Check out our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!