As the sun blazed down on the soft green grass at Kenilworth racecourse, the sound of children’s laughter and music filled the air underneath the cool shade of the trees as revellers, horse racing enthusiasts and charities from around the city joined the Horses for Causes charity race day on Saturday February 11.
The event, which was organised, by Horses for Causes to raise funds for 14 participating charities, among them Masicorp in Masiphumelele, which works in the field of child education, and JAG which uses sport as a catalyst for change, drew a sizable crowd who got to interact with the charities and learn more about each cause.
“Approximately R730 000 was raised.
“After payment of expenses, the profit will be split equally between the 14 participating NGOs. Many people involved in Western Cape racing have been incredibly generous,” said Horses for Causes project member, André Oosthuizen.
Many who haven’t had the opportunity to witness horse racing at the race course, did so for the first time and hunger and thirst was quenched by the variety of stalls available at the Oval market.
Those who had booked the VIP Peninsula and Somerset rooms in aid of the participating charities were dressed to the nines in their rocking red attire and enjoyed decadent cuisine while watching the horses line up.
Others placed their bets and packed the stands to witness the horses who stole the show on the field.
Children enjoyed the jumping castle and took part in activities hosted by JAG and Sporting Chance foundation while Thrive Music Academy entertained the adults with an impressive jazz ensemble.
The full list of participating beneficiaries are: JP21 Project; The Chaeli Campaign; JAG Foundation; Kronendal Music Academy; The Sunflower Fund; Lucky Lucy Foundation; Sporting Chance; Cart Horse Protection Association; Thrive Hout Bay; Santa Shoebox Project; SA Jockey Academy; Masicorp; The Western Cape Grooms School Trust and the Great Commission Business Development Trust.
