Time for the races!

Winter is the one season that most people hate, bitterly cold mornings, freezing evenings, dry weather and it makes one feel lethargic in general. In Durban however, we have a different approach. You see unlike the rest of the country, Durban's winter is perfect, lovely warm days, hardly any rain and while it might get cold in the evenings and early hours of the morning it is still manageable for many. Hence the city is a hive of activity during this period with loads of events on the go, none bigger that the Vodacom Durban July. 

It is Africa's biggest, most prestigious and glamorous horse racing event and Durban pulls out all the stops. It generates a heck of a lot of income for the province with the thousands that descend from across the country to party the night away at the Greyville Racecourse. Many have already bought tickets to the one of the many marquees that will be erected for race day. The most popular ones being the Miller Boom Town marquee which I attended last year, its massive and with the huge dance floor and designated areas, its sure to be a hit again this year. Other notable ones are the G&G Live marquee as well as the Fish Eagle MTV "Eagle Air" tent. 

Apart from all the parties, and horse racing, fashion is always a major talking point at the races. This years theme being "Posh, oh my gosh!" you can be sure to see some exquisite outfits on display. Coming back to the racing, this years field for the final race has never been this open before. There isn't a clear favourite and as most pundits and bookies are saying, there is a number of horses that could win the running. Here's hope lady luck is shinning on you when you place that bet!

Now over the past few weeks, the country has been monitoring the health of former President Nelson Mandela. There was talks that if anything tragic had to happen, the race will be held at an alternative day, that being the 27th of July 2013. However, on the official website, organizer now stated that they have been given the go ahead to host the even this Saturday and as a gesture towards our former leader, heart shaped emblems will be handed out to everyone at the course and 67 seconds silence will be observed as a tribute to Madiba. 

That being said, it looks like its all systems go for Saturday and personally I cannot wait as it one of the highlights of the the year!