The day after the big "T".

Well a great time had by all, all facilities were full and a great vibe, have a few photos on home page and will add to the gallery later today.
A step in the right direction, but how to we get punters to the track to experience this 5 star facility.

The test will be next week when the riff raff return and don't have to pay R 50 to get in. Wonder how many of those in attendance yesterday will be joining them.

Dave has any numbers been advertised - 2, 3, 4,000?

As for getting thev crowds in how about having another comp - but the next one amonst the different jocky colonies Cape, Joberg etc? Maybe on another big race day???

Jim

Dave just wanted to say thanks alot for a great day at the track.

The atmosphere in the box was superb and your hospitality made it a day to remember.

One thing I was disappointed with was that they did not appear to have enough tote windows open with queues 10 deep minutes before a race and I missed getting a few bets on (which saved me money but not the point I suppose)

Opening my wallet whne I got home made me remember why I usually stick to sports betting!!!

Cheers

Brent

Hi guys - yes thanks to Oscar (John), Scotia (Dave) and Catsmug (Steve) - for a super duper day!

Was fantastic - had a blast!

You guys are the BEST!!

Hugs and kisses - Possum

Morning all, no problem.
Yes it was a battle to play on the tote, that's why the laptop is in the box,

Firstly - a very big THANK YOU to Scotia for a great day. Despite finding only one winner ( and four seconds - all at big prices ) I lost remarkably little money. I hope I can crack the nod for next year although Carol said she wants to come as well when she saw the photo of Sue. Can't fool Carol.

Secondly - it was nice to meet many of my fellow 'posters'. ( Steve - do you think Freeracer will bar me for talking to you? ).

On to the day itself :

Although the Big T was ( apparently ) well supported there appeared to be plenty of space for more. There is an upside and downside to that - the upside is that my perception of the crowd was that they are more 'racing focused'. To be frank - at both the Met & July the mere mention of the word 'horse' often evokes a pretty glazed and confused expression from many of the attendees.

The downside is that the marketing department is failing pretty abysmally to reach a 'non racing' target market - surely one of the prime objectives on a big day when you use the stars to attract maidens and novices.

Gold Circle use professional marketing companies to stage manage their two big events. What do Phumelela do? And why do they continue to primarily target 'racing people' with their advertising of the event when surely 99% of it should be aimed at non racing communication channels?

I loved seeing the international boys compete although I would like to see the following in the future ( and I hope they will be coming again! ) :

Put all the SA jockeys in our national colours with differing caps. Likewise the internationals in identical colours with different caps. It would just add visually to the contest. Another thought - could you imagine the vibe if Big T had lights and it was a day/night meeting? ( I got the distinct impression that the overseas boys were wilting a little in the early afternoon heat - cover definitely necessary in the parade ring ).

One area where the authorities need to be congratulated is the manner in which mounts were allocated. Previously it was possible for a world class rider to get closed out by stable arrangements or the luck of the draw. The system employed was very equitable.

Other thoughts :

You don't often see Striker caught from behind!

The internationals sure know how to 'klap' a horse. Now I know why UK horses 'stay on' better than ours!!

Nice touch from Soumillon in the pull up area after the Summer Cup.

Gracious comment from Soumillon regarding his trophy.

Nice touch from Ormonde Ferraris in 'donating' his bottle of Moet to Molly. A case of 'where the need is greater'?

Horrendous performance from Andrew Bon in post race 'interviews' Both Andrew Bon & Neil Andrews suffer from an inability to interview. Instead they prefer to make irritating self opinionated speeches. Bon had me chringing on Saturday by labelling virtually everything local as the best in the world - having first asked the bemused jockey what they thought!

All in all - a good day and one which I feel can be built on.

Must say was a great day enjoyed it alot. Lets face it the course was packet , great crowd. When last was it so packet? The parade ring looked great.maybe just lacks a wee bit of shade,

Hi Dave, it doesn't mean I have been ignorant to your e-mails - I learn lots from them - the Summer Cup was really good - it's just that, we have to organise 5 star facilities for punters who cannot afford, things like win yourself a treat at the racecourse - in that case, the winner brings his/her partner plus two friends, meaning it's a treat for 4 people, I guess this could comfort them and introduce more people to racing.


Cheers!

Rgds
Ron

Daily Sun Newspapers
Horse Racing Editor

I have replied to Ronald via email, but this point was discussed on Sat, we do have a 5 star facility, how do we fill it and get as many people as possible to go racing? We compete with 5 star casinos and home luxuries?

As Gajima mentioned, probably many of the die hard weekly punters, did not attend on Sat due to the R50?

Not any easy solution.

What a brilliant day in the box on Saturday! On behalf of Hollybucks/Winning Form, I would like to thank Dave for inviting me and for encouraging me to make the trip from Durban. It was my first Summer Cup experience made all the more memorable by the fantastic hospitality of the ABC clan.

There's nothing like putting a face to a name and it was great meeting everyone. Particular thanks to Oscar,SAP01 and Zoro for the 'after party' and to Zoro for getting me to the hotel in one piece!

I look forward to be in a position to recipprocate soon. (Johno, we'll visit some of those nostalgic Durban night clubs you used to frequent in your decadent youth!)

Really and truly the powers that be must investigate 'loyalty' cards such as the casino MVG (Most Valued Guest) to 'reward and incentivise' regular race goers. And then at Premier meetings they get first option to tickets, or reduced prices... or a betting voucher...I dunno what exactly. And then tie the cards to various sponsors ... J&B , Steinhoff etc. where they can use their 'points' to get discount whatever...