More than just a day at the races

The thundering hooves of majestic thoroughbreds. The cacophonous excitement of over 50 000 spectators. Haute Couture worthy of a Parisian catwalk. This is horseracing of international repute. Yes, it’s that time of year again. It is the Cape Town J&B Met.

Held in Kenilworth, Cape Town since 1887, the J&B Met is one of the most important racing and social events in the country. Drawing a crowd of stunningly attired, avid race-goers and socialites, this horserace is known as the Ascot of South Africa. It was originally run, since the late 1700s, at Green Point Common as a race between military officers, as they tried to impress the ladies of the Cape. In 1887 it was moved to Kenilworth and, though it experienced a chequered existence throughout the early 1900s, by the 1960s it had become firmly established on South Africa’s racing calendar.

First known as the Metropolitan Mile, it was considered an important race, with some of the best horses in the country on the start line, but the event still lacked a certain something. It wasn’t until 1978 when Justerini and Brooks, producers of J&B Rare Scotch Whiskey, stepped in as sponsors, that it became the glossy and exhilarating event that it is today.

Sixteen of the country’s best horses race over 2000 meters in pursuit of glory and a R2 million stake. Only two horses have ever won the race more than once. The big 4 year old, Politician, owned by Syd Laird whose family still feature as one of the most successful racing families in the country, first won the race in 1978 and then again in 1979, coming from behind in a spectacular finish to win by half a length. Twenty-nine years later in 2008, Pocket Power, owned by the partnership of Marsh Shirtliff and Arthur and Rina Webber, raced to his second victory having also been the 2007 winner.

Fashion
Due to some well directed marketing, which includes the Most Elegant Couple competition, the looming J&B Met sends the Cape fashion industry into a frenzy of sales, couture advice and the designing and making of custom outfits specially ordered for race day. This means that, at a time of year when sales would normally be low, the Cape fashion industry peaks. A survey done in 2003 showed that over R18 million worth of fashion sales were directly attributed to the J&B Met. The theme for this year’s event is Glitz and Glam and is a great opportunity to doll yourselves up and be seen. 

What’s on?
Other than the all important racing, facilities at the event include a 5 000 capacity marquee village which offers exclusive, world class hospitality. It is the prime place for networking opportunities as the 'Who’s Who?’ of South African business will be there. There are also 184 picnic sites which will be filled to capacity within no time. The 5FM official J&B Met after party is widely renowned for its great music and dancing that goes on into the early hours of the following morning.

Place your bets!
In addition to the sixteen horses that make the final draw, up to four international horses may be invited to participate in this event, with the maximum field size being 20 runners. Announcement of the Final Field & Draw will take place on Wednesday 21 January 2009 so keep an eye out for who will be running and get clued up on the betting options so you don’t miss out on the chance to make a little bit of money while you have a lot of fun!

Betting is reserved for those aged over 18 years and is not nearly as complicated as it looks. Simply have a look at the horses that are running, choose the ones you like and go to any of over 150 tabGOLD tote outlets or Betting World outlets and place your bets. Phone betting and interactive betting are also available and are very popular options. Or, if you are one of the lucky 50 000 plus people that get to actually be at the races on the day, you can place your bets at any of the tote windows there.

So get shopping for the finest fashions around and keep your calendar clear for January 31st 2009 as South Africa’s most magnificent racehorses line up for the horseracing event of the year. See and be seen at the most prestigious social and fashion gathering that Cape Town has to offer: The J&B Met, 2009.

Tickets for the J&B Met are available through Gold Circle offices and designated tote outlets throughout the country and at the Kenilworth Racecourse.