Algoa Cup - An Event With So Much Potential Delivers Again

Last Sunday's Jonsson Workwear Algoa Cup is an event with much potential and history, in fact, it's the biggest event in the Eastern Cape. A province with a rich racing history and where the South African Derby was first hosted, it also lays claim to the initial home of the Jockey Club of Southern Africa founded in 1882 at the Phoenix Hotel in Port Elizabeth, now Gqeberha.

The 103rd running of the Algoa Cup didn't disappoint with a three day festival as part of the broader 4321 Charity Event that started with the Allied Steelrode Charity Mile from the previous weekend at Turffontein and ending with the Jonsson Workwear Algoa Cup.

Besides the competitive racing itself, the three days were festive and although highlighted by the Sunday racing it included an action packed day of entertainment on the Saturday as well as a full race meeting on the Friday with as many in attendance as the Sunday event.

Friday 03 Nov
The festival kicked off with a full house in the Bold Silvano Room with a guest list close to 300. A three course buffet meal was on offer. The interesting side note is that all the Fairview venue options were as busy on the usual Friday meeting as they were on the Sunday, which augers well for the health of Eastern Cape Racing.

Saturday 04 Nov
The second day of the festival started off with the Grooms Soccer Finals held at the Fairview Racecourse Soccer field.

Prior to the kick off to the finals there were two exhibition matches for the Under 11 and Under 15 teams from the Fairview Racecourse and surrounding areas.

The soccer event was well supported by the local community again emphasising the role the industry plays in the lives of the people in the areas it is located in.

After the conclusion of the soccer finals, the attention moved to the grandstand where the crowds were entertained by a wonderful fashion ensemble from fashion designers all over the Eastern Cape. This was also accompanied by music and DJ Primo set the tone for a festive post tournament after party.

Children also were kept entertained by a variety of activities in the kiddies entertainment area.
The days events were well supported with many coming to Fairview Racecourse for the first time.

Sunday 05 Nov
A great closing day for the 3 day festival culminated in the 2023 running of the Jonsson Workwear Algoa Cup.

The Bold Silvano room, the flagship venue at the course, was again full up with racing fanatics from the region. Around 300 people enjoyed the top class hospitality.

The atmosphere on course was electric, something not seen in a while at the venue. The crowds were again entertained by DJ Primo in-between races with the kids having their own dedicated area.

The free kids zone was well supported with many a youngster building 'horsey' memories of the day with access to the much loved and popular pony rides.

Between races a marimba band played their tunes and a drumming session, where everyone got involved, was a hit.

Luyolo Yiba, Season 15 Idols winner, had the crowds going with his upbeat tunes belting out famous numbers like Sondela. Also, the ever popular fashion show offered designers a chance to showcase local talent.

The Sunday racing events were the culmination and highlight of the Algoa Festival with the famous South African company, Jonsson Workwear, sponsoring the Cup itself. That race was won by the Justin Snaith raider, Future Swing with JP Van Der Merwe onboard.

The hard work by the team in Gqeberha again showed the spirit of racing country wide with much work gone into the planning and execution of the various events. It's an event not to be missed in 2024!

 Images: Nelson Mandela Social Media I