CAPE TOWN – While most of the sporting action revolved around quality thoroughbred racing on Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas day, the Intercontinental Food fair and special charity initiatives added tremendously to the vibrant atmosphere and sense of mission of all the partners involved on Saturday December 7.
Proud representatives from eight nationalities promoted their country’s culture at Kenilworth under ideal Summer conditions and did an outstanding job showcasing their traditional cuisine. Each country also entertained the crowds with traditional singing and dancing performances.
A vitally important component of these glamorous, marquee days are the supportive fund-raising links forged with various organisations doing outstanding social work with limited resources. Nominated charities benefitted directly by receiving a percentage of a R100 000 donation from Kenilworth Racing, determined by where their horse finished in the feature race.
After the aptly named In The Fast Lane rocketed through to win the Fillies Guineas, 1st place and a donation of R30 000 went to the Haven Night Shelter an organisation that provides temporary shelter, physical care, social welfare and family re-unification services to adult homeless persons typically described as “street people” or “vagrants” in the Western Cape. The Haven has been helping marginalised people since 1978.
With a low-flying Lanner Falcon as runner-up, Kenilworth Racing donated R20 000 to second placed, Velo Khaya whose Safe Cycling Programme was developed and launched in 2008.
Each year the programme – which accommodates 15 to 45 learners at a time in Grades 7 to 9 – reaches some 7 500 learners across South Africa, teaching them basic road safety and cycling skills and forms part of the Department of Education’s Life Orientation initiative. Along Came Polly ran into the places, securing a R10 000 donation for third position to Breadline Africa, an internationally registered South African-based charity that aims to break the cycle of poverty – by helping communities help themselves.
The Scalabrini Centre which offers development and welfare programmes to the migrant and local communities of Cape Town received R4 000 for fourth place with each of the remaining charities receiving a R3 000 donation.
Scion, Michael Taberer, speaking on behalf of the family that owns Avontuur, was heartily encouraged by proceedings. Emphasizing opportunities for continued growth and further progress with their marketing efforts, Avontuur wine estate and thoroughbred stud farm remains committed to sponsoring this prestigious Classic race for high class fillies. And the dramatic finishes to additional top notch sprint races named in honour of visionary founder, Tony Taberer, appropriately captured the exciting spectacle of speedy and valiant racehorses in competition.
