CAPE TOWN – A 26-year drought came to an end on Saturday, 28 February, when Wish List became the first filly to win the Lucky Fish Cape Derby since 1999, marking a defining moment in one of South Africa’s premier Grade 1 contests.
The victory at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth closed the Cape Summer Festival of Racing on a significant high, with Wish List finishing ahead of Note To Self, Viva’s Liberty and Star Major in the historic race.
Racing meets lifestyle experience
The race formed part of the Lucky Fish Cape Derby Seafood and Jazz Festival, which welcomed approximately 3 000 guests for a programme that combined elite racing with a broader lifestyle experience.
Fresh seafood served by local vendors offered a range of flavours from traditional favourites to contemporary dishes, whilst live performances by Jarrad Ricketts, Selwyn & Roy, Simply Strings and Al Petersen provided the musical backdrop.
Families enjoyed a vibrant market and children’s entertainment area complete with jumping castle, petting zoo and pony rides.
Industry collaboration
“As Lucky Fish marks nearly one year in business with our official anniversary on 19 March, we’re thrilled to cap the season at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth with the Seafood and Jazz Festival alongside the Lucky Fish Cape Derby,” said Vishen Naidoo, commercial manager for Lucky Fish.
“It’s a brilliant clash of worlds: the raw adrenaline of South Africa’s premier Grade 1 staying contest for three-year-olds, paired with sizzling seafood trucks drawing massive queues, smooth live jazz, and families soaking up the summer finale.”
Stephen Marshall, events and marketing executive at Race Coast, praised the collaboration: “Their electric blue-and-pink colours popped everywhere, outfits were on point, and crowds streamed in throughout the day. The day blended top-tier Grade 1 race action with sizzling food trucks, live jams, and family fun to widen horse racing’s appeal like never before.”
Looking ahead
The Lucky Fish Cape Derby remains an important stepping stone towards the Hollywoodbets Durban July later this year, where winners will compete against older horses in the field.
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Marshall emphasised the importance of such sponsorship to the ongoing growth and sustainability of the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal racing industry, supporting the ecosystem from grooms to tracks.
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