EPSOM DOWNS AND KENILWORTH RACECOURSE FACILITATE INTERNATIONAL COMMENTATOR SWAP
Richard Hoiles and Rouvaun Smit, both leading commentators in the UK and South Africa respectively, will be swapping seats with each other at two of the biggest racing festivals hosted in both countries.
Hoiles, one of the leading commentators for Channel 4 Racing as well as dedicated horse racing channels At The Races and Racing UK, will be attending South Africa’s most prestigious day’s racing, the J&B Met at Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, 31stJanuary. The British commentator will swap seats to call the Investec Cape Derby, one of 12 races on the popular card. Richard will be able to add his Cape commentating experience to his list of other international race commentaries, which include a two year stint in Hong Kong as well as calling races in Japan, Canada, Dubai and even the Spanish Derby.
As one of the most popular Cape commentators, Smit’s voice is synonymous with South African racing, with 2014 marking his 20th year of race commentating. Smit will be attending the Investec Derby Festival this year to commentate on the Investec Coronation Cup on Saturday, 6th June 2015. As per his English exchange, Rouvaun Smit also a former Radio DJ, has been part of the national broadcast team of the SABC since 2001 when they are responsible for the extended coverage of the country’s big race meetings. His international race calling experience, include the 2009 Jockey International in Mauritius and races at Meydan.
Richard Hoiles, said; “To call such a big race at such a spectacular venue is fantastic, though a little bit daunting! My thanks to both Investec and Rouvaun for this terrific opportunity. Having been fortunate enough to witness so many top South African riders and horses on their international travels the prospect of seeing them compete on home turf on their premier race day is very exciting.”
Rouvaun Smit, said; “We are looking forward to welcoming Richard to the beautiful Mother City of Cape Town and it really is an honour to have him call a race at Kenilworth. On the other hand it’s a dream come true thanks to Investec and Richard to be awarded the same privilege as it will be my first visit to the UK. It is almost surreal to think that I am going to be part of one of the biggest race meetings in the world, that up to now I’ve only been able to watch on TV”
About Epsom Downs Racecourse & the Investec Derby Festival:
Epsom Downs Racecourse is situated on the North Downs in Surrey, just 15 miles from central London. Epsom is a historic training centre and home to a significant number of racing stables.
The racecourse is the venue for the most famous Flat race in the world, the Group One Investec Derby, which takes place on the first Saturday in June every year.
With a history dating back to 1780, the roll of honour for the premier British Classic is studded with the names of the greatest horses to have graced the English turf.
The Investec Derby Festival also features the Investec Oaks and the Investec Coronation Cup, both also run over the Derby course of one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards, for fillies and older horses respectively.
The Investec Derby and Investec Oaks, two of the five British Classics, are for three-year-olds, with the former open to colts and fillies and the latter to fillies.
Investec started backing the Investec Derby Festival in 2009 and three years later announced the extension of the sponsorship for a further 10 years up to and including 2021.
The 2015 Investec Derby Festival, which sees the 236th running of the Investec Derby, takes place on Friday and Saturday, June 5 & 6, while the 2016 Investec Derby Festival is staged on Friday and Saturday, June 3 & 4.
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