Gold Circle Pty (Ltd)

Today's Racing :

HISTORY MADE ON A DAY TO REMEMBER

Lance Benson

The Western Cape's Sizzling Summer Season scaled new heights this past weekend with eye-catching performances both on and off the track that can only inspire confidence and hope as we head into 2009. History and tradition have a unique magic of attracting the imagination and if horseracing did not gain a few converts from the 11000 people that bathed in the sunshine on Saturday, then I don't know what will. There was just so much to enthuse about and when I saw Pocket Power on the front pages of two Cape newspapers yesterday morning, I realised that all it takes is a professional co-ordinated approach and a will to make it happen.

The dramatic victory by the greatest horse ever to grace our turf in this country and one of the most well-publicised and marketed racemeetings ever, with beautiful weather and gorgeous people who warmed to the spirit and atmosphere of a wonderful social and racing event, would have overshadowed concerns like betting turnovers that are under pressure and the depressingly dark clouds that have cast hauntingly long shadows on the world economy, that is facing its toughest days since the 1930's. It is truly comforting to know that South African horseracing has in its ranks extremely capable and inspirational minds, champion racehorses and owners and investors of the ilk of the Ruperts who possess both the will and the passion to plough desperately needed resources into the sport. Proof once again that our owners and sponsors are our most valuable assets.

Amongst all the positives, criticism has been levelled from certain quarters that holding two group 1 races on one afternoon is counterproductive and bad business as there are plenty of low-key meetings that could benefit from an attractive feature race. Some even felt that the TBA Paddock Stakes, while enjoying the same status and stake purse as the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate was overshadowed by the hype surrounding South Africa's premier mile. Saturday's double feature bill proved this contention unfounded as great horses and interesting duels attract the crowds and I am sure TBA Chairman Altus Joubert could only have been proud and thrilled to have been an integral part of the best Queen's Plate day in history.

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