Horse racing, bets, travel and the Durban July

On Saturday the 6^th of July 2019 all eyes from the horse racing world will be focused on the track at Greyville Racecourse as it hosts another Durban July. This race has been run without interruption since its inception in 1897.

This race day has established itself as an iconic event on the South African events calendar and is one of the premier African horse racing events that attracts enthusiasts from around the globe.

When I was growing up, one of the houses that we lived in was just around the block from the Scottsville Race course. Outside of hosting horse races it also hosts the finish of the Comrades Marathon. On the weekends when the race course was packed, I recall walking down to the bottom of Taylor road with my old man and listening to the announcer commentating on the races. The excitement horse racing generates among the spectators is quite something to witness and you quickly get caught up in the energy.

The first time I ever attended an actual horse race was many years later at the Met in Cape Town, where I helped host a few clients on behalf EasyEquities for whom I was working for at the time. Horse racing events aren’t just for horse enthusiasts though. The day is filled with fashion, entertainment and much excitement. It’s a day to embrace the theme and dress to impress.

For the horse racing enthusiasts attending Durban July, there are plenty of opportunities to place a bet on your winning horse. There are various races run throughout the day and I know our friends from the Onamission Syndicate have a few tips on which horses they think will be near the front. Onamission’s “dream is to share our exhilarating lifestyle of horse racing with as many people as possible” through making it affordable. So, if you are excited by horse racing or fancy a different type of lifestyle investment… like owning a horse you can contact the team here.

Speaking of excitement, the travel bug also creates its own excitement. Travelling teaches us many things and one of the things that I have always admired about South Africa is the variation of experiences that are on our back doorstep. While traveling overseas to your favourite Club Med destination (just ask Kurt Solomon for some tips as he has been to a couple Club Med resorts, or read his blog) is an epic adventure that exposes us to different people and cultures, we have lots to learn from the experiences inside our country’s borders – from trips into the Karoo, trips along the Wild Coast, bush explorations in the Pilanesberg, and hopping on a plane to Durban to escape the Joburg winter.

The Durban July is one of these experiences and it’s on my bucket list to attend in the very near future. While I won’t be part of the attendees this year, if you’re traveling to Durban for the weekend here are a few tips:

-Don’t forget to do an early check in for flight—quick and easy, this also means that you don’t have to collect your boarding pass if you are only flying with hand luggage.

-Have you got travel insurance? It’s a necessary check that I do on all my trips and you can purchase it online, check out Travelsure from Old Mutual Insure for more details.

-The theme for the day at this year’s Durban July is Stars of Africa, get creative with your outfit.

-The Programme on Saturday kicks off at 9:30am, with the Fashion on Parade and the first race will be run at 11:25am.

–The Balito pro is also on this week, so head down to Willard Beach on Sunday post the race day and watch the finals.

If you haven’t got your ticket yet, there’s still time. Book your spot here and partake in one of Africa’s premier horse racing events.

There are so many great experiences around South Africa, let’s explore our backyard and share the stories that our wonderful country has to offer! Oh, and remember to travel with Travelsure so that you know you are covered.