There is a concern amongst the Racing fraternity (Owners, Jockeys and Punters) in the Western Cape about the number of race meetings allocated to Cape Town versus Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The smaller trainers and owners are suffering financially as a result of the low number of meetings in the province. There is further dissatisfaction regarding the uncertainty about the seasonal programmes allocated to us. We seldom see “stand-alone” meetings down in the Cape where the pools can be boosted to give our regional industry a good return.
To illustrate this point the last midweek Durbanville meeting was shared with Flamingo Park. There is very little incentive for small owners to increase their investment in thoroughbreds if they are not allowed to run their horses more frequently.
As members of Gold Circle we are also concerned that we do not get an equitable share of income. Apart from our investment in the industry we need to mindful that there is always a financial expectation from all involved in local racing.
Perhaps you should publish these concerns in your next issue. Let’s see if there will be an official response forthcoming.
Despondent Owner – by email
