Sell-out 2010 Vodacom Durban July a runaway success

Greyville Racecourse and Gold Circle played host to a highly successful Vodacom Durban July Racemeeting on Saturday. The house full signs went up early as a capacity crowd of 50 000 people crowded Greyville Racecourse.

In spite of a serious downturn in the national economy and a difficult financial year for Gold Circle and racing in general Chief Operating Officer, Graeme Hawkins, said he was very happy with the tote turnover on the race meeting even though it was 1% down on last year’s takings.

On the plus side, the company was 2,24% over budget. Hawkins pointed out that during the soccer World Cup turnovers around the country dropped between 20 and 30% so Saturday’s figures were most encouraging.

Vodacom’s Regional Manager in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Alberts Breed, said that he had been extremely happy with Saturday’s event. He said he shared this relationship with Gold Circle with great pride as it did so much for Vodacom.

The race proved a triumph for trainer Mike de Kock who saddled both the winner, Bold Silvano and second-placed Irish Flame. It was De Kock’s third win in the race after Ipi Tombe and Greys Inn while it was also Delpech’s third victory after Classic Flag and Greys Inn.

Third was Orbison with Service Ace filling the fourth place.

De Kock said South African horses and trainers could hold their own on the world stage. “The world is watching us,” he said, “and we need to ensure that we lift our game. We don’t need to stand back for anyone.”