IT is nearly Derby time!
Local horse racing fans can’t wait for one of the biggest days of the year at the Fairview track in Greenbushes.
Nelson Mandela Bay Racing is gearing up to host Derby Day on Friday, May 12, and it should be an afternoon of top-class racing and lots of fun and entertainment.
The two big races on the day will be the R350 000 WSB East Cape Derby for three-year-olds over 2 400m, and the R175 000 Dahlia Plate for two-year-olds over 1 200m.
Both races are steeped in history and it has become very difficult for the local stables to keep the prestigious Derby trophy at home.
In recent times the Western Cape raiders have dominated the Derby – and there are again entries from outside the province in both the Derby and Dahlia Plate.
The final fields will be announced soon, but it is certain it will be two cracking races. Hospitality bookings for the day can be done till this Friday (041 372 1859).
The Derby is also the third leg of the Sophomore Challenge, where a bonus of R250 000 will go to the connections of a horse that can win the Ibhayi Stakes over 1 400m, the Guineas over 1 600m and the Derby over 2 400m.
Not many stables are interested in going for the bonus as it is very difficult for a three-year-old to win over the various distances in three races, run in less than three months. The racing authorities would do well to look at an alternative incentive.
Before we get to Derby Day, the focus will be on Friday’s meeting of eight races on the Poly surface.
With less than three months to go till the end of the season, it is that time of the year when many role-players are closing in on some milestones.
At last Friday’s meeting, champion trainer, Gavin Smith, very nearly reached 100 Fairview winners for the season.
He saddled a treble to take his tally to 99, and will have to wait till this Friday to get to 100. It is a very competitive meeting, but the Smith stable is in red-hot form and it is unlikely that the personal milestone won’t be reached on Friday.
With his two winners last week, Louie Mxothwa became only the second jockey to ride 50 or more winners for the season at Fairview. Richard Fourie is leading the race with 70 winners.
Friday’s meeting starts at 12:30 and the Pinnacle Stakes (race 5) over 1 200m should be the highlight.
Fairview in May
5 May: Poly – starts 12:30
1
2 May: Turf – Derby & Dahlia
19 May: Poly
26 May: Turf – Milkwood & Fairview 1400
29 May: Poly
