Shongweni friday

I went past Shongweni to let the grandkids see more horses as the oldest got the bug after trips to Rathmor and Ashburton.
We had to get to airport so not much time and the intention was just to feed carrots.
Had no idea a big show jumping event, wonderful atmosphere, watching the horses jump the fences was spectacular.
Good crowd good food and sure Craig Peters was doing the announcement, lovely club set up and reminded me of the family days at Randjies.
Only think missing was a tote/bookie?
Probably a different type of clientele but for funds for the club?
Maybe a future consideration?

A simple tote principle a wee take out towards the club and the balance split between winning tickets
" you know it makes sense Rodney"

I will certainly make a day off it in future

Awesome

One of the biggest show jumping events in the country along with the "Nissan" also held at Shongweni, all the top riders in the country are there and some very expensive warm bloods. I don't think they're punters.

Our "local" lovely place.

One only has to take a look at the branding around the course to see that these guys are doing something right and getting the right brands to support (Land Rover, FNB etc).

Was amazed to come across the SA Derby (held at Kyalami) Facebook page the other day and see how they have managed to turn an event, that at one stage seemed seriously tired and boring, around. Big entertainment, big attraction and big focus on the horses. That it happens in the right part of JHB is a plus.

Perhaps an idea here is to try and woo these guys into including a dedicated class for OTTB's (like the Retraining of Racehorses charity do in the UK) to showcase how great the thoroughbred is and share success stories and chuck a racing sponsorship in here somehow to highlight the industry in an effort to try and tie all these horse lovers in.

....the problem is that our Phum Execs up here are very short sighted....they would not know a marketing idea if it jumped up and grabbed them by the b@lls....I live right next to the Waterfall Equestrian estate up the drag from Kyalami....they have just recently re branded the boutique hotel and restaurant to Riboville to attract more of the horsie sorts....they have their own polo field...the BMW polo series is played across the road...they should make contact... spread invites to people having meals and give a betting voucher or how to open online accounts...get a quid pro quo arrangement with the hotel....utilize it...have functions at the restaurant...get out and do something.... :huh:

Good news is that there are OTTB specific classes and also awards given at some of the shows (Dressage as well as jumping)

www.tba.co.za/beyond-racing/
www.imagineracing.co.za/beyond-racing/

sugahorse wrote: Good news is that there are OTTB specific classes and also awards given at some of the shows (Dressage as well as jumping)

www.tba.co.za/beyond-racing/
www.imagineracing.co.za/beyond-racing/

I'm not talking about sponsoring a day sheet. I'm talking a meaningful, impactful sponsorship to show the sport is serious about getting attention.