Dundee July makes welcome return, albeit behind closed doors
The MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation in KwaZulu-Natal, Hengiwe Mavimbela has announced the return of the Dundee July Traditional Horse racing event after it was cancelled last year due to Covid-19 outbreak.
The 2021 event is set to take place at the Dundee Horse Racing Track on Saturday, 14 August starting at 10h00. The event will be held without spectators. Strict Covid-19 prevention protocols will be followed during the event and only the participants, organisers, media and working crews will be allowed on site with proper accreditation.
MEC Mavimbela said the cancellation of last year’s event affected the traditional horse racing industry and related sectors that depend on the hosting of such events to survive.
“I am excited to announce that one of our flagship programmes, the Dundee July Traditional Horse Racing event will make a welcome return this year when it takes place on the 14th of August 2021 at Dundee in uMzinyathi District,” she said.
Some of the sectors that are expected to benefit from the hosting of the event include safety and security, hospitality - particularly township B&Bs, performing arts and suppliers as well as local textile and clothing such as fashion designers.
“The line-up for this year’s Dundee July will include a total of 104 strong horses that will line up in nine (9) races on a 2000m track, with a total stake prize of R1 million for the winners,” said MEC Mavimbela.