July 22, 2010. What kind of fool would back a Goat to win the Vodacom Durban July? Plenty, it seems, as the Paul Lafferty trained four-year-old has a long line of admirers.
While Goat may not be everyone’s favourite, the filly, which is drawn at three, is rated as having better chances than many of the “donkeys” on offer, although you wouldn’t say that in polite company.
Lafferty spoke of the custom Goat’s connections have of naming horses after animal husbandry. “Donkey was named after a pub called Donkey and that’s how it started.”
Seriously speaking though, there are many top class contenders in the field of 20, including the 11 horses entered by the two Mikes, Mike de Kock and Mike Bass.
De Kock has seven runners including the early favourite Irish Flame (gate 6) and Bold Silvano (gate 2), to be saddled by Anthony Delpesch, while Rudra (19) is also fancied. Bass has two horses with proven quality, Pocket Power (17) and this year’s J&B met winner River Jetez (9), to be piloted by Jeff Lloyd, although there are question marks over Pocket Power’s finishing power.
The buzz is building around this year’s Durban July, held on July 31 this year instead of the customary first Saturday in July to accommodate the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
There’s fashion shows, competitions and events aplenty building up to July Day as usual, while the who’s who of the Durban and national fashion scene will be showing off their most classy, daring and innovative creations leading up to the main race. Look out for some of the cutting edge, up and coming designers who’re blazing a trail in the industry.
It’s also a day for those who like to set the night alight, to see and be seen. One of the hottest spots on July Day will undoubtedly be the Miller Rock the Races marquee. Covering more than 4000 square metres, the Miller marquee will bring to life a party village including everything you could need for the ultimate party experience at the races.
“This year the Miller Rock the Races Marquee includes a Chill Zone with a Gourmet Burger Bar, Sushi Bar, Noodle Bar, Mangwanani spa zone, a photo booth, a hair and beauty studio and many more innovative attractions,” said Miller Brand Campaign Manager Megan Macnab. More than 100m of mobile bars, including the 24m bar in the outside courtyard area will ensure that no-one will go thirsty on the big day.
Providing even more glamour on the day, 5FM’s KB will broadcast live from the Miller party village from 2pm-5pm accompanied by a killer line-up of DJs including: DJ Fresh, Euphonik, Milkshake, Good Luck, 1st Project, Liquid Deep –“Fairytale”, Black Coffee, Dean Fuel and the VDP DJs. Tickets start from R450.
To ensure that the party continues through the night, the Official 5FM Vodacom Durban July After Party Fuelled by Miller, will take place at the DLI Hall, just a short walk from the Miller marquee. Tickets to the Miller ROCK THE RACES marquee are available from Computicket and exclude the racecourse entry ticket and afterparty ticket. Racecourse entry tickets can be purchased from Gold Circle.
PS. Lafferty and the Goat connections have threatened to wear pink ties in support of their favourite for the big day.