A big month for horse racing in Nelson Mandela Bay is already in full swing.
The New Year started with two action-packed meetings at the Fairview race track in Greenbushes, but there is plenty more on its way.
There are three meetings left for the month over the following Fridays. All of these meetings are on the Turf after we had a very long stint of mostly Polytrack meetings.
The Turf track looks in fine nick, and track manager, Charles Newcombe, and his team deserve a pat on the back for a job well done.
This coming Friday’s event, and the races on the 26th, are looking particularly exciting.
On the 26th there will be three feature races on the menu when all of the Fairview Merchants, the Fairview Mile, and the Lakeside Handicap will be part of an attractive card.
The highlight of the month for many racing fans will be the clash of the fillies and mares in the main race at this Friday’s meeting.
The R150 000 Lady’s Bracelet over 1 600m should be a thrilling affair, and hopefully another good crowd will be there to witness a fine race.
In the holiday period the attendance figures pleasantly surprised the Fairview officials. This is the last meeting before the schools reopen and probably a last chance for many to enjoy a day at the races.
Entry is free, but if you want to be part of the hospitality in the beautiful Bold Silvano Room it is essential to make a booking.
Sadly a few familiar faces will not be seen so regularly at Fairview anymore. Some stalwarts of Nelson Mandela Bay Racing have decided to call it day.
Elias Zomba made a huge contribution in various positions at Fairview over an incredible period of 46 years.
As the promotions manager for 28 years, Karin le Roux was at the forefront of many top Fairview events.
Tess Sprenger was instrumental in the smooth running of the television broadcasts on race days, and another lady to say goodbye is Marden Newcombe, who did duty as a specimen collector for 16 years.
All of them had an enormous impact on racing in the province, and Fairview won’t be quite the same without their friendly faces.
In another huge loss to racing in the province, the stable of trainer, Lunga Gila, has relocated to Cape Town.
The talented and hardworking horseman arrived in Cape Town earlier this week, and his progress will be keenly followed by his many East Cape supporters.
Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Gila said that he is sad to leave Fairview behind but Cape Racing was involved in creating an opportunity for him to take his career to another level.
It is Lunga’s birthday on Friday and the racing fraternity not only wishes him a happy birthday, but also lots of success on his new venture.
