• The growth and success over the last year has been almost uncharted in racing’s recent history and has begun to attract significant wealth and sponsors back into the Sport of Kings.
• The second race is a 1200m sprint, the Air Force Cup, where Sea Eagle is the form horse but High Legislation, ridden by M Fundi and trained by TKuria, cannot be discounted with their magical formula of finding ways to win.
Image: HANDOUT
In an unmistakable sign of the progress being made with horse racing in Kenya, the first Saturday races in over 30 years go down with the Uhuru Cup at Ngong Racecourse.
The insightful proposal was made by last year's leading owner and Horse of the Year owners — Lord and Amp — Lady Spencer.
Encouraging the Jockey Club of Kenya (JCK) to have this is an acknowledgement of the growing popularity of horse racing as a sport in Kenya and internationally, combined with the colourful and flourishing event and glamorous fashion that honours the long tradition of the culture of racing beyond the track.
The 2022/23 Champion Jockey and current season leader, Lesley Sercombe, is excited about the occasion as it will be the first time in her entire racing career in Kenya that she has raced on a Saturday.
“It’s going to be fantastic and open it up to new crowds and I’m looking forward to it," said Lady Spencer.
The growth and success over the last year has been almost uncharted in racing’s recent history and has begun to attract significant wealth and sponsors back into the Sport of Kings.
Capital FM have just become the newest partner to support racing and are exuberant about the relationship and opportunity.
David Muba, Capital FM’s Digital Director said: “We feel like the brand aligns and our listeners will love the races. It’s very exciting and racing already has a cult-like following. The thrill is amazing. It’s one place you can let yourself go and breathe."
It reminds me of Peaky Blinders. It’s the party you want to be at, the music is amazing. It’s the real vibe of the city.”
The weatherman has sunshine predicted for the weekend but rain before then, and if it falls in the thunderstorm forecast, it will change the racing conditions enough that the favourites will not be favoured any more.
“That’s why racing has survived for thousands of years, the glorious uncertainty,” mused veteran trainer Ollie Gray. The first race of the day is the 900m Away in the Manger Maiden at 1:30 pm for two-year-olds.
With none having run, there are no favourites beyond the punters' conjectures.
The second race is a 1200m sprint, the Air Force Cup, where Sea Eagle is the form horse but High Legislation, ridden by M Fundi and trained by T. Kuria, cannot be discounted with their magical formula of finding ways to win.
The 1800m ’Tis the Season to be Jolly Handicap is almost an all-J Muya stable race and it is hard to see Dalkeith being defeated with only Adleoli to challenge the stacked deck.
The fourth race at 3:15 pm is the 1400m We Wish You A MerryChristmas Handicap where Vuvuzela Umilio is easily the standout pick, though Russian Wonder and Jamaican Rum could make things interesting.
The main race of the day, The Uhuru Cup, at 3:55 pm over 1600m, is also set to be the best and most exciting of the day.
Deodoro will ensure that it’ll be a quick race, and if the pack hold the pace, it’s difficult to pick a winner between Daytime Girl, Cranleigh, and Assured, though Assured has the form.
The two outside bets come in the way of Westwind, who should not be discounted, and Coffee Break, who is a very real contender and good money.
The final race of the day is the 1400m HV Pirie Trophy which is the Guineas Trial at 4:30 pm is between Dunleavy and Bedford, with the former being the class nag.
The end of the racing is the beginning of the sundowners and afterparty with the largest selection of craft beers in Nairobi available from 254 Brewing, Lekker, KO, Le Decanter, and Bila Shaka, making a festival of ales.
The rest of the market has delectable delights and cocktails from Geco Tribe, Maurizio’s, Fabio’s Pizza, and Need Gelato, as well as an assortment of other food and drink vendors making it an unmissable event, with music from Nairobi’s finest DJ’s playing long into the evening.