Kenilworth racecourse back on track

Some R400million worth of upgrades and repairs have put the Kenilworth racecourse back on track, says Cape Racing chief operating officer Donovan Everitt.

There has been a significant investment in the track since it, along with the Durbanville and Milnerton tracks, was bought over by Cape Racing chairman Greg Bortz in partnership with Hollywoodbets in July 2022, says Mr Everitt.

The first phase of the upgrades, from August to January, included complete renovations to the inside and outside of the property, new running rails, a bigger winner’s circle and improved training facilities.

The upgrades were all geared towards getting the facility ready for the current racing season, Mr Everitt said.

The second phase of upgrades, which still needs City approval, was geared towards creating a multi-purpose property with a fives football court, paddle-tennis courts, a dog park, a pump track and a focus on the "preservation" of the eco-reserve, he said, adding that they were also exploring what food chains could offer the facility.

“We want the racecourse to serve as a sports and recreational facility for all. With these new offerings, we are opening up the facility to a new market aimed at bringing people in organically.”

There were also new incentives for breeders and owners to race, Mr Everitt said.

“We went from 720 racing horses in the province to 1300 in the space of just over a year with every horse providing employment for about 20 people. Owners who buy horses help keep the property open, and our primary focus is on the ownership model and providing them with a world-class facility.”

All of this, he said, would contribute to resurrecting the horse racing industry.

Mr Everitt said they had made a concerted effort to discuss their plans with the surrounding community.

“We sat down and listened to the concerns of these groups to figure out where their unhappiness stemmed from, which mainly related to not being informed about things happening on their doorstep.”

A balance between business and community was needed, Mr Everitt said.

“We are also a venue that is hired out by companies to host events. There are, however, strict contractual obligations in place as well as City by-laws that need to be met in order to receive event permits. These events are a massive contributor to our local economy.”

Ward 59 councillor Katherine Christie said that while some events at the track could cause a noise nuisance for residents, that temporary inconvenience had to be balanced against the jobs the events created.

“In most instances, the majority of the residents are fine with events at the racecourse with a handful of residents complaining, and I’m appealing to them to tolerate the one or two events that may become noisy in consideration of the economy and the benefits for the community from the spin-off of events, which includes the planned park which residents will have access to.”

Ms Christie said it would take compromise from both sides, but it could be a win-win situation for all as everyone stood to benefit from the growth and development of the racecourse in the long run.

Mr Everitt said they had ploughed a lot of money into improving security at the track which had a knock-on benefit for its surroundings.

“Further to this, we have invested in community initiatives, as directed by Ms Christie: painting of bridges, putting up fences and clearing of areas that had vagrants living in and that were filthy.”