MIKE de Kock has praised Vodacom for their ongoing sponsorship of the Durban July and said in the aftermath of Saturday’s big race that the event now compares very well with the best he has attended all over the world.

Greyville hosted a capacity 55 000 strong crowd who were treated to superb racing and entertainment to the backdrop of Vodacom’s new red-splashed branding and Mike said: “Everything about this day was superb and my sincere congratulations go to the Vodacom and Gold Circle whose hard work and organisational skills were evident in the staging of this world class event.”

Asked if winning the Durban July was still important to him considering his success abroad, Mike confirmed: “The July is South Africa’s premier race and it’s always very special to win big races here at home.”

Alberts Breedt of Vodacom, in their tenth year of sponsoring the race, was delighted with the success and growth of July day, saying that Vodacom was proud to be associated with the Durban July and that the event had grown into a formidable part of their annual marketing strategy.

Graeme Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer of Gold Circle, quoted several impressive turnover increases and pointed out that the last few months had been particularly encouraging for the state of racing overall. “Punters stood their ground despite some unfavourable results recently and that bodes well for the future.”

Photo: Mike de Kock at the post-July press conference with Alberts Breedt of Vodacom.