An overview of Durban July

Mpho Tlale | Friday July 11, 2014 12:05

 

Just to kill your curiosity, in the first groundbreaking race Campanajo under jockey R Scott and trainer E Murray won. This year’s R3.5 million horseracing champion jockey for the Vodacom Durban July Greyville Racecourse is Richard Fourie along with his horse Legislate and trainer Justin Snaith. Fundamentally, Durban July is a premier race for thoroughbred horses. 

It is the most talked about gathering amongst South African horseracing fans. Durban July is South Africa’s equivalent to Britain’s Royal Ascot attended by the Queen. Thronged by thousands, the event now takes place annually on the first Saturday of July. And this year, South African President Jacob Zuma graced the affair.

It was once known as The Rothman’s July, but Vodacom now sponsors the Durban July. Despite ts rich history that dates back 117 years, the hype and emphasis surrounding Durban July now mostly revolves around fashion trends and celebritiy spotting. 

Although some importance is placed on the race itself, there is always an emphasis on fashion. This year the fashion theme was the Big Screen.

Simple as it may sound, attendees had the creative freedom to interpret the theme in whatever way they thought best suited them.

Some were inspired by Hollywood, while others drew inspiration from Bollywood.  Some came in a dress sense that can best be described as the category ‘unknown’. As expected, the fashion was dramatic and if there were any boundaries, then rules were broken in every sense. 

Although others kept it posh and simple, others went over the top and revealed the wild child within them. As it is norm, hats also ruled the fashion scene as they came in all shapes, sizes and colours. With all the moving around and socialising there comes a time when patrons want to sit and marquee tents offered that opportunity.

Which marquee one sits in depends on the package, as there are quite a number of them.

Batswana were hosted at the Loliwe Marquee under Tourism Kwazulu Nata (TKZN).  In this marquee there were some of South Africa’s celebrities such as Leleti Khumalo, Mbongeni Ngema, Sophie Ndaba, Winnie Modise and David Kau who are TKZN tourism ambassadors. 

As ambassadors they are tasked with promoting TKZN and the rest of South Africa both locally and internationally. Apart from the wining and dining offered, the Loliwe marquee also kept guests entertained with doses of good music from performers such as Nancy G, Vusi Nova who did a beyond perfect rendition of Etta James’ I’d Rather Go Blind. Established and upcoming designers were also given a chance to showcase their creations in the marquee.