HORSERACING IN KENYA? HOW ABOUT THE 110TH KENYA DERBY THIS WEEKEND?
(Posted 10th April 2015)
Kenya is known for its many attractions, the safari parks and the award winning beaches probably most highly recognized around the world. Kenyan athletes too dominate the headlines during the IAAF season, notably the medium and long distance runners who scoop the honours wherever they go. Horseracing though may not be immediately associated with the country and yet does it has a history now spanning 110 years.
This weekend will, at the Ngong Racecourse, East Africa’s one and only, the 110th edition of the Kenya Derby be run, by any standards a long tradition and one which has many followers in the country and the region.
During the racing season are many horseracing enthusiasts travelling to Nairobi on race weekends to congregate at Ngong, perhaps place a wager but generally enjoy a great day out.
The Kenya Derby is one of THE races in the Ngong calendar and the grounds will no doubt be packed to the rafters, with the Member’s section and the general stands expecting capacity crowds.
Entrance, costing from just 200 Kenya Shillings for the day out, is worth the expense as there is plenty of action not just on the course but for children too.
The races start at 12.30 hrs and the main one of the day, the 2.400 metre SK Kenya Derby, will run at 15.20 hrs before the last race of the day at 17.00 hrs will then close the day’s action. ‘
Visitors to Nairobi this weekend, and in fact on all race weekends, are no doubt welcome to join the action with prices of the Best Dressed and others to be won and the hotel concierges will be happy to make arrangements for guests to spend a Sunday afternoon in Ngong.
