Six weeks into a R1 million partnership to reward Grooms of every KZN winner with R1000, Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets have seen the initiative develop in short time into a major success with a warm reception from the industry.
From 1 October, tokens to the value of R1000 are presented to the winning Groom of every race in KZN. This is in addition to the 1% of stake money that the Grooms already receive.
Devin Heffer makes the very first award to Vikindluku Dlamini (Pic – Candiese Marnewick)
As at the end of last Sunday’s Hollywoodbets Greyville meeting, 92 different winning Grooms from 34 different yards had been recipients. Over and above that, 12 Grooms have won two races, while 1 fortunate Groom has won four races!
Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle also agreed to award R1000 to both winning Grooms in races where there is a dead heat, as well as in the event of an Objection, that is upheld – as happened in the fourth race on 20 October.
Veteran trainer Dennis Bosch, whose personnel have enjoyed seven awards to date, welcomed the initiative and said that rewarding achievement was at the cornerstone of a competitive game like horseracing.
“My staff have warmed to the concept and who doesn’t need more cash in the pocket in today’s world of high living costs?” he asked.
Trainer Dean Kannemeyer praised the innovative thinking and generosity of the local racing operator and Hollywoodbets.
“It’s a wonderful concept of reward and incentivises a vital stakeholder sector of our industry. My staff that have received the bonus have appreciated it and it has created a nice buzz amongst the guys,” added Kannemeyer, who has always placed a high value on loyal motivated staff.
“Getting involved in joint CSI projects was always high on the agenda when Gold Circle and Hollywoodbets first met regarding sponsorship initiatives,” said Gold Circle’s Senior Marketing and Events Manager, Stephen Marshall at the announcement in September.
Hollywoodbets Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer said that Hollywoodbets relished the opportunity to play a tangible part in the empowering of an important sector of horseracing in KZN.
