THE new sponsorship of this Saturday’s Cape Guineas by Hassen Adams’ Grand Parade Investments is good news for racing as his influence in bringing innovative change will likely be extended, reports DAVID THISELTON on www.goldcircle.co.za.
Adams “imagineering” philosophy saw the original engineering company he owned reaching great heights and he is clearly applying a similar approach in his role as a director of Kenilworth Racing.
The new Kenilworth winner’s enclosure in front of the stands was one of the first noticeable changes he was instrumental in bringing about since being made a director and it has been an immediate hit.
Adams had witnessed the crowd involvement around the prominent winner’s enclosure at Epsom when attending The Derby meeting earlier this year and recognised it as a change that would work well at Kenilworth.
The Kenilworth Racing Board, which also includes Vidrik Thurling, Robert Bloomberg, Markus Jooste, Chris van Niekerk and Mark Currie, also prompted the establishing of a stylish new Racing Association facility in the Kenilworth grandstand.
This facility is for the use of RA members, who must in turn be colour holders, and has been well received.
However, the less privileged racing fans in Cape Town will not be ignored and Adams has already said that one of Grand Parade Investment’s subsidiaries, Burger King, will play a role in making the Cape Guineas day “a special family day at Kenilworth racecourse.”
“We intend to reach out to disadvantaged kids and our senior citizens by making it a special day for them.
Given the beautiful setting and rejuvenated facilities, it is a day not to be missed by families eager to share in the festive spirit together,’’ said Adams.
Adams, according to an interview with Fiona Ramsden that was aired on TellyTrack, also has visions of creating a “Royal Kenilworth” racemeeting that could become the twin of the world famous Royal Ascot meeting.
He envisages a festival of racing that would culminate in the L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate.
Cape Town is a popular summer tourist destination for the British and Irish, among others, and there are more than a few racing owners, breeders and fans among them.
These foreigners are already a prominent presence at the Premier Cape Yearling Sale, which now has a US$1 million race attached to it, and the “Royal Kenilworth” meeting would add yet another dimension to their visit.
The Grade 1 Grand Parade Cape Guineas brings together the leading protagonists of what is being called a vintage three-year-old male crop of thoroughbreds and is a not to be missed meeting.
From 12 noon to 6pm, for just R10 entry fee per person, children will be welcomed by Father Christmas and his helpers, then treated to a host of activities. All proceeds will be donated to charity.
Carnival games, jumping castles, arts and crafts, face painting, entertainment and loads of giveaways will keep the kids busy while their parents relax and enjoy the horse racing.
Burger King will have a satellite store on site, so lunch is taken care of. For every meal purchased, a child becomes one of Father Christmas’ helpers and can hang a special decoration on the six metre-high Christmas tree.
A popular attraction for the fitness conscious is the Grand West CSI Gallop for Giving – a big walk, looping around the race track over a distance of 3.1km. For an entrance fee of R10, walkers will receive a goodie bag, a T-shirt and a medal.
Less energetic spectators wishing to indulge in fine vino can attend a wine tasting in the Kenilworth Room, with tickets available at R100 per person. Wine estates participating in the emporium include Raka, Wildekrans, Creation, Sumaridge, Newton Johnson, Zandvliet, Paardenkloof, Graham Beck, Avontuur, Goede Hoop, Kleine Zalze, La Vierge and Eaglevlei.
These estates will also be donating wines to an auction, with all proceeds going to charity. Tasteful vineyard style décor will enhance the occasion.
Other delights include decadent chocolate and cheese stations, while patrons can choose to base themselves in a beautiful Lounge/Chill Area or in a tented outer balcony section and enjoy entertainment by Sarah Jane and Angelo Thomas.
