The upcoming Ladies Day at Ngong Racecourse promises to be a delightful blend of thrilling racing and exquisite fashion. With a seven-card fixture lined up, spectators can look forward to captivating duels on the track, with no clear favorites or predictable champions in sight.
The tradition of Ladies Day at the races dates back to 1823, evoking images of elegance and grace as women don their finest attire for a day of sporting excitement. This tradition, celebrated both internationally and locally, continues to showcase the intersection of fashion, culture, and trends.
Despite the postponement caused by adverse weather conditions two weeks ago, the upcoming event is set to proceed smoothly, with the Kenya Meteorology Department forecasting fair weather. With partial sunshine and warm spells expected, attendees can anticipate a delightful day at the races.
While haute couture will undoubtedly steal the spotlight, seasoned jockey and esteemed champion Lesley Sercombe remains upbeat and cheerful ahead of the challenging conditions. As anticipation builds for the Kenya Oaks, all eyes will be on the track for an unforgettable day of racing and style.
“I’m going to try to win them all. You have to stay near the front, pick your ground, and then find a little pace down the straight.”
Trainer Ollie Gray, who is having a very successful season with his runners and winners, was of a similar opinion to Sercombe.
“It takes a lot out of them, jockey and horse, and you need them both fit. In conditions like this, a bad fit horse will beat a good unfit horse,” said Gray.
Commenting on the improved track conditions, he said, “I think the form will be more consistent to what it would be otherwise. The status quo should remain.”
Joe “horse whisperer” Karari, who’s been training horses for 17 years believes the now “good” track conditions would make for a more open contest.
“The ground has changed; the track is in good shape, which favours all the horses. I think most horses in Kenya prefer this kind of ground,” he noted.
Trainer Julie McCaan, with two contenders including the punters’ favorite Ten Eighty for the prestigious Kenya Oaks, believes that the brief dry spell and changed track conditions will have an impact on the race. Despite the conditions, McCaan remains confident in her horses’ abilities, stating that she doesn’t see them being beaten without any bad luck.
As for the race itself, determining which horse will prefer the going can be challenging. Punters with a keen eye for both real and imagined possibilities stand to make fair winnings. The racing action kicks off at 1 pm with the 1200m Cambric Cup, where Pretty Pearl is favored against Coffee Break, with Ripon poised for a potential upset.
Moving on to the 1600m Mickey Migdoll Mile at 1:35 pm, the race should belong to Henry Muya riding Vuvuzela Umilio, although High Legislation remains a contender. The 2:10 pm Labour of Love Handicap over 2060m favors Henry Muya on Chipping, while the 2060m Aga Khan Trophy at 2:45 pm could see Lesley Sercombe on Beeston emerge victorious.
The highlight of the day, the Kenya Oaks at 3:20 pm over 2400m, sees Ten Eighty as the form horse, ridden by the experienced James Muhindi. However, Cassandra ridden by Lesley Sercombe poses a significant challenge, with Maria and Whispers also expected to make the race competitive.
The 3:55 pm Paddy Migdoll Tea Urn over 1000m is likely to be dominated by Rahal ridden by Michael Fundi, while the 1200m Ladies Day Maiden at 4:30 pm features Trumpet Call ridden by Lesley Sercombe as a favorite.
After the races, the festivities continue with sundowners and an afterparty featuring music from Nairobi’s top DJs, ensuring an unforgettable event for all attendees.
