SP Mail Bag Letter

I decided after an absence of ten years to visit Turffontein on Saturday to support Charity Mile Day. It had been a while since I last attended a live race meeting, so was inquisitive to see the changes over time – good or bad – writes James Darmody in the SP Mailbag.

It was very hot and I parked and grabbed a bottle of water and headed for the stands.

When I arrived at the security gate, I was stopped by the security guard and was told that I was not allowed to take my water in. After trying to explain that it was only water – a human right , the security guard was having none of it and insisted I leave the bottle at the gate.

Not one to enjoy confrontation, I agreed and left the bottle with him and entered the course. Not a good start for me, before I had even had my first bet!

After the first, I decided to find something to eat on the ground floor food -court. I found four food kiosks and after a look at the menus, and not really being a Chip or Kota man (Bunny Chips and Bread or Bunny Chow ), I decided a toasted cheese would be a better choice.


While waiting for my toasted sandwich, I watched as it was been made. The kiosk was untidy, dirty and would fail any health inspection in my opinion – so I started to get concerned about my own health. Taking it with long fingers, I ordered a water and went back to my seat. The sandwich was not bad , but I could not get from where it came from out of my head, so gave it a miss just in case.

On to the feature races, it was enjoyable to see the parade ring full. However I did not recongnize too many Owners . There seemed to be a rent a crowd – but after a while I realised that they were mostly It’s A Rush invited guests being shown around . Many were greeted with an It’s A Rush umbrella to protect them from the hot sun. Many photos taken with a pose here and a pose there – all trying to get a shot with the jockeys and trainers . The trainers and jockeys obliged with dignity and were great ambassadors.


After the last race and some great racing, I returned to my car . When driving home I summarized my day. Besides making a few rand on my bets, I left feeling that racing has definitely changed since I last attended. It still seems to be a very elite experience. If you are not an invited guest sitting in one of the air conditioned rooms , then it is tough to really enjoy the day as an Average Joe.

The food on offer was way below par, the tote facilities had not changed much over time and there was no free wi-fi available – although there were secured points, but passwords were required. The toilet facilities were suffice – however should that toasted cheese have kicked in, I would have been in serious trouble!

I doubt any of the powers that be have ever bothered to check on the Average Joe and how they are doing – but rather looked after the big spenders that would never return – unless they were invited.

There is plenty of room for improvement when it comes to looking after the Public.

Usain Bolt – not a bad choice
We can bring god to the races. Although Mr Bolt is not a bad choice, celebrities that will not improve crowd attendance unless we have a serious look at the small things .

My ratings: Race Course – 6/10; Food 2/10; Horse Performance – 9/10 .

Will I be back soon? I am not sure – there is nothing like the comfort of my lounge .

Ed – a copy has been sent to Phumelela and the Racing Association. If a response is received, it will be published.

Do you agree? People always say the Food is half decent?

I would like to see more access all areas, have just the one “ high end “ section

The stable booked a big table in the Elevation room and we had a very enjoyable afternoon .
What struck me most was how busy the room was and how many old punters and owners who i thought were lost to the game were using the facility and dare I say their was a great olden days racing vibe. I do agree with the poster that downstairs needs attention and having been to ABC box and now the Elevation room if I want to entertain or go racing myself no doubt where I will go.

Scott and William do a superb job catering and i have never had a problem in any of the function halls, if you include Calvins bar, food also great at reasonable price.

The big T is a wonderful facility and only the lack of people makes it lose appeal and atmosphere

Its not in the best area and the dump can be a bit hectic if the wind blows in the wrong direction i am sure they still spend many thousands per month on chemicals/deodorant to keep it subdued.

Bob Brogan wrote: Do you agree? People always say the Food is half decent?

I would like to see more access all areas, have just the one “ high end “ section

The food is good in the rooms or boxes. The food at the stalls close to the parade ring always looked suspect to me too.

I have to agree Shrek - If you are a family man that wants to bring the wife and kids to the Races , you need to grab something at the Food Court , you cant take them up to the rooms and pay for the buffet or even consider sticking everyone in Kalvin's (Although I never say No to his meals )
for the day. There is plenty grass , lots of other kids for them to interact with , but no real choice for them with food. I presume the food court is run by the race course that rent out the kiosks , however far from healthy foods and or general health . Needs to be looked at.

It’s basically the same here in the UK, you pay in then decide if your going gastro or burger van route.

Having to hand over water is a joke though, you can understand if it was alcohol

With my compromised swallow I need water handy at all times

The service and hygiene at the food kiosks do look dodgy. If one buys popcorn the kiosk attendant leaves the kiosk to place your money and get your change from another kiosk.
But hey, as mentioned above, get to Winners Circle (Calvin & Angie) and Jacob will do a fine job in serving you food and beers. And come dressed respectable but don’t come with byo.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dark Horse Thoroughbreds wrote: I have to agree Shrek - If you are a family man that wants to bring the wife and kids to the Races , you need to grab something at the Food Court , you cant take them up to the rooms and pay for the buffet or even consider sticking everyone in Kalvin's (Although I never say No to his meals )
for the day. There is plenty grass , lots of other kids for them to interact with , but no real choice for them with food. I presume the food court is run by the race course that rent out the kiosks , however far from healthy foods and or general health . Needs to be looked at.

A very simple solution is MR Delivery as there are a number of fast food outlets close to the track - That should be something that should be explored - I personally don't think it is viable for those caterers to sell on track as there cannot ever be enough turnover unless its a big day - Rather have a booth where MR Delivery menus are displayed and let the customers call and collect at that booth - OR I am sure there are franchises that do deliver in the area - - Let them put up their menues and deliver -

My misses and our kids (both over 20) don't do the Deck anymore.

Instead they wanna hang around the parade ring and grass area at Turffies which is what they enjoy these days albeit not much to do between races, just sitting on the deck not for them anymore. Must also admit the food not up to scratch downstairs which needs to be looked at by Phumelela.

We will have a couple of drinks and then rather wait to grab something to eat at one of the popular take away venues on our way home.

St Tropez and Mr H - Reading your posts makes me think that when one goes to the casino or movies we order Mr D. while we are there or stop at Mac Donalds on the way home. :dry: