Some questions that need answering

Got the latest RA newsletter yesterday. Not too much that seems to be meeting their mandate regarding protecting the interests of owners, but two things in particular are interesting:

1. Parade Ring Dress Code

The RA are going to enforce a dress code. There are little guidelines besides no shorts, takkies, bulging biceps or ripped jeans. My question is this, what are the RA going to do to enforce non members adhere to these restrictions? If I were a non member, I would tell them to get stuffed - what could they do to me in this case? Trevor Raath, bless his soul is the champion of this initiative. Does he own more than one suit? Fashion tip Trev, that suit colour would have been in place 20 years ago, you remind me of McGuyver broer, get with it, make a plan!

2. RA Members additional stakes

What happens in the case of only 1 partner owning 10% of a horse being a RA member?

I have a pair of designer ripped jeans that cost more than most peoples suits. Surely i could where them.

I do own a Blazer and will carry it over my shoulder next time CC runs. Looks cool.

Lol Sly; the RA's motto is 'dress for success'; so I guess if one can convince them that you are portraying an image of success, one can wear whatever you want.

Not so sure about non-members; I believe the parade ring has been placed under the 'control' of the RA by Phumelela (does Phumelela have the right to place anybody in 'control' of the parade ring?); this probably means that they (RA) have the final say on who to allow entry or not?

Regarding the additional stakes; I think they spell it out somewhere how this will be calculated if a partnership consists of both members and non-members; I seem to remember that it states that if less than 25% of the partnership ARE members, the 'bonus' is forfeited? Stand to be corrected, though.

does anyone else have banana and cheese sarnies?

I agree with you Cat; just trying to play devil's advocate

Surely the parade ring and the behaviour therein falls under the control of the stipes.

Racing will never stop shooting itself in the foot.

They think “snob” appeal will improve racing attendance or pool sizes?

Dress code? This is rucking fidiculous.

On holiday in Umhlanga recently, decided to go to a racecourse for the 1st time in about 10 years – have a few punts and lunch.

Firstly the directions to Clairwood on the goldcircle website is incorrect. When I eventually get there, no indication where the plebs must park – only signs for the bigwigs (owners, stewards, bookies).

Six bookies betting to130% + - ouch!

Lunch – no shorts allowed!

Back to Durbs and the nearest Casino- shorts and sandals - no hassle.
Lunch – no problem with “dress code”, and the food was probably a couple of thousand % better.


I may be a gambling addict, but if you want my gambling Rand, you can only get it on my terms.