FAIRVIEW RACECOURSE ALL SET FOR THE FESTIVAL OF RACING!

The Festival Of Racing that takes place at Fairview Racecourse next weekend on Friday October 24 and Sunday 26 has become an increasingly popular event on the Port Elizabeth social calendar and will have an added attraction this year as it is being staged in unison with a whisky and cigar festival.

The good class of horseracing at this traditional dual meeting, coupled with Fairview’s convivial catering facilities and Port Elizabeth’s reputation as “the friendly city”, have always guaranteed a fun on-course atmosphere. The positioning of the Whisky and Cigar Festival at the Races, hosted by Cubana Latino Café and 360° View Media, will enhance the vibe as it will ensure the patronage of a diverse band of middle class adults, from the young to the young at heart.

The on course Whisky Festival will showcase top local and international whiskies and will include tasting of selected whiskies such as Glenfiddich, Chivas, Jameson Select, Glenmorangie, Gentleman Jack, J&B Jet, Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve, Bains, and Three Ships. This lifestyle event will also include a mini fashion show, courtesy of Delbro Premium, a display of premier sports cars and an appreciation of a selection of Cuban Cigars. Whisky tasting will be conducted in five separate lounges hosted by the respective whisky companies Brandhouse, Distell, Edward Snell, Pernod Ricard and RGBC.

The tasting starts at 12:00 pm and ends at 17:30 pm. Later, Crazy White Boy alongside Metro FM DJ’s Paul Mtirara and Ismail Abrahams will be live on the decks at the after party at 18:00 pm. Limited tickets are available for the Whisky and Cigar Festival at Computickets at R150 per person. A Whisky and Cigar Media Launch is to be held at the Cubano Latino Café on Beach Road in Humewood later today, Thursday October 16, from 16:00 to 18:00 (dress Elegantly Racey).

The Racing Festival will consist of the East Cape Horse Care Unit Charity raceday on Friday 24 October and the Gr 3 Algoa Cup raceday on Sunday October 26. The main event at the eight-race meeting on Friday will be the R150 000 Listed Racing Association (RA) Stakes over 1600m. This race once gained a reputation as a pointer to both the country’s premier race, the Vodacom Durban July and to the world’s richest race, the Dubai World Cup! Its list of winners include Dubai World Cup third-placed Paris Perfect, Vodacom Durban July winners Big City Life and Bold Silvano as well as July runner up Run For It, while Dubai World Cup runner up Lizard’s Desire finished second in Big City Life’s winning year. Among the eye-catching entries this year is the classy Light The Lights from the Western Cape yard of Big City Life’s trainer, Glen Kotzen.

There will be a charity auction on Friday as well as an RA cocktail party after the races. On Sunday there will be a kiddie’s play area, food stalls and picnic spots will be available. The highlight of Sunday’s nine races will be the R350 000 Betting World Gr 3 Algoa Cup over 2000m. This race also attracts strong fields and two years ago was won by the subsequent J&B Met winner Hill Fifty Four. Last year’s winner, the Joey Ramsden-trained Disco Al, is entered again this year. Other interesting entries are the 2013 Investec Cape Derby runner up Dynamic from champion trainer Justin Snaith’s yard, as well as the 2012 East Cape Derby winner, the Vaughan Marshall-trained Tribal Dance. 

Fairview Racecourse is looking forward to welcoming all visitors to the festival. Gates will open at 11:00 on each day and booking is essential for those who wish to lunch in the HB Christian Room on either of the days. A table can be reserved by calling 041 372 1859.