Leading owner and successful international businessman Greg Bortz has emerged as a potential white knight, in partnership with South Africa’s leading sportsbook operator Hollywoodbets, to breathe some much needed life back into a crippled Cape horseracing.
In a meeting with Cape trainers on Wednesday afternoon at Kenilworth Racecourse, Mr Bortz outlined broad details of the intended current transactions, future plans, challenges and problems, and some ideas for the future.
Greg Bortz chats to the Snaith brothers (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
“We are not jumping the gun, and there is naturally red tape and regulatory procedure to follow. But we are advanced with planning and we can expect some new faces at Kenilworth Racing as we implement changes,” Bortz told the Sporting Post on Friday.
This follows a joint press release on Tuesday 5 July, wherein the trustees of The Thoroughbred Horseracing Trust and the board of directors of Kenilworth Racing Pty Ltd informed all stakeholders of proposed transactions that would have a significant impact on the future of racing in the Western Cape. This includes an expression of interest with GMB Investments (Pty) Ltd (“GMB”), a company represented by Mr Bortz.
The trustees of the Thoroughbred Horseracing Trust have also counter-signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hollywood Sportsbook Holdings (Pty) Ltd for the purchase of all the Trust’s shares and claims in Kenilworth Racing.
At Wednesday’s well-attended meeting, Bortz outlined that it was time to bury illusions of the glory days of the 1980’s and to deal with the real 21st century demands of horseracing.
“We need to cut our coat to suit our cloth. It is going to require a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Trainers will have to buy in, and we will all have to work together. I was heartened by the response on Wednesday. The bottom line is that we all want it to work,” he added.
The appointment of a new Director Of Racing Operations of Kenilworth Racing will be one of the first implementations, according to the dynamic investor.
“Improved field sizes, decent stakes and focussed realistic programming are priorities. The horse population needs to be addressed. We need to cater for lower MR-rated horses, as one example. We also need to have our finger on the pulse,” he said, when touching on various aspects with the trainers present.
Eric Sands (photo: hamishNIVENPhotography)
Trainer Eric Sands said that the Bortz presentation was the most positive he had experienced in close on 40 years in the game.
“I like it. All my colleagues liked it. Naturally the test will come with delivery. And I’m keen to see who is appointed as the CEO or Director Of Racing Operations. That person will need to share Greg Bortz’ passion, energy and positive outlook. We have to support this initiative and all pull together in the best interests of saving our sport,” he said.
Piet Botha (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Trainer Piet Botha has been a major motivator to uplift the game. He told the Sporting Post that he feels that the next decade is going to be a champagne era for racing.
“Greg Bortz spoke our language. We got the sense that we were listening to a genuine and professional proposal and considered plan to right the ship.It’s very exciting times and we are ready to make it work,” he added.
Trainer Dean Kannemeyer, who is also based out at Milnerton, said that the presentation by Greg Bortz was one of the most professional and insightful information sessions he had attended.
Dean Kannemeyer (Pic- Candiese Lenferna)
“One gets the feeling that this is the real deal. I feel great hope and am positive for the future. The consensus amongst my colleagues was upbeat. I take my hat off to Greg and the Hollywoodbets team – it’s a major project, but I believe we are in very good hands,” he added.
Greg Bortz spoke to the Clocking The Gallop team earlier this week:
