by Ramiro Restrepo
If you don't think these horses know they're racing or where the wire is, go watch the replay of Bela-Bela winning the G1 Maine Chance Farms Paddock S. and receiving an automatic Breeders Cup berth in the F&M Turf. You have to love it when they show that kind of heart to get up in the last jump at the wire. Mayfair Speculators had a huge weekend winning several races over both days, including Legal Eagle winning the G1 Queens Plate and securing a berth in the Breeders Cup Mile.
Probably the thing that stood out to me the most Saturday was the crowd that showed up to Kenilworth. In the US, we are constantly marketing to and are after the 21-35 demographic. There were thousands of them, all dressed to the nines, wagering on the races and having a great time. It was the social event to be at in Cape Town, and between a full wagering menu and a South Beach-style afterparty, it isn't hard to not see why. I can't speak to handles, pools, or wagering education over here. But as far as that demographic enjoying the day at the races, you can certainly see why they'll keep on coming back.
Sunday is my last day in Cape Town, I'll try to check out Table Mountain and Camps Bay before heading back stateside. What a beautiful city this is, and one I hope to come back to again next year either for Queens Plate and/or the Met.
In closing, I'd like to thank Gaynor Rupert and her wonderful team at Drakenstein Stud, Kevin Sommerville, James Trotter for putting on such a first class event. The energy levels and quality racing, highlighted by two Breeders Cup “Win and You're In” races, make the L'Ormarins Queens Plate racing festival a must-visit event in the international racing calendar.
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