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20
GOLD CIRCLE - WESTERN CAPE CHAPTER
A SUMMER
Parade
of Great Expectations
This is the summer of great
expectations as the racing
world focuses on Kenilworth
and what could be South
Africa’s first truly international
race, the R1,5-million J&B Met,
with the strong possibility of
at least one overseas runner
from the powerful Arab-
owned Godolphin racing
operation.
From December through to February racing in South Africa is centred in
the Western Cape with a programme of top graded races drawing the cream
of the country’s thoroughbreds to the picturesque setting nestling in the
shadow of the mighty Table Mountain.
With stakes during the season reaching well into the millions, it is traditionally
time for the opening rounds of the country’s classic programme, drawing
the best three-year-olds into battle in the Cape Fillies Guineas, the Cape
Argus Guineas and the Graham Beck Wines Cape Derby.
Interspersed in this programme are two of South Africa’s most famous and
most prestigious races, the Grade 1 Queen’s Plate and the Grade 1 J&B
Met, races which are synonymous with the glamour and prestige of Africa’s
internationally famous tourist destination, the Western Cape.
The build-up to the season began back in November with the running of
five graded races, events that have set the tone for what promises to be a
season of unforgettable racing.
The Grade 2 Betting World Merchant Stakes, the Grade 2 Odessa Stud
Fillies Championship, the Alf Duncan Auctioneers Cape Classic and the
Southern Cross Stakes – both Grade 3 events – as well as the Grade 2 Green
Point Stakes and the Listed Victress Stakes all got the season going in fine
style during December.
Nominations were out for the R500 000, Grade 1 Queen Plate and the
R1,5-million J&B Met and both races drew large entries. Among the