IT’S the biggest, most glamorous event on the racing calendar and the Greyville Racecourse in Durban is usually swarming with the who’s who of South Africa, dressed to the nines and quaffing bubbly in the balmy KwaZulu- Natal winter sunshine.
But of course, things must be done very differently these days. Last year the Durban July was held behind closed doors and this year it was a significantly watered-down affair.
There were no cheering crowds, no booze, and precious little fanfare. The only people allowed onto the grounds were trainers, jockeys, core racing personnel and a handful of media representatives.
Everyone else had to watch the R2,5million race on TV – and that included the owners of the racehorses galloping to the finishing line in all their thoroughbred magnificence.
But for one owner, it was good enough – in fact, it was almost too much to take in. Ashwin Reynolds watched as his horse, Kommetdieding, overcame an unfavourable draw to dash to glory in the final seconds of the race. The win caused a major upset for race favourites Got the Greenlight and Linebacker.
In a rags-to-riches story fit for a fairy tale, the sensational win made Ashwin (47), who grew up in impoverished circumstances on the Cape Flats, the first person of colour to own a Durban July winner in the race’s almost-125-year history.
His racing colors will now be displayed on the wall of honor in Hollywoodbets Greyville’s Classic Room alongside many of South Africa’s most famous racing silks (the colorful uniforms jockeys wear).
This story is from the 22 July 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 22 July 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HE'S GOT THE LOOK!
His startled expression has turned Russian cat Fedya into an internet sensation
ROYALS AT WORK
Here’s a look at the dwindling family members who make up Charles’ right-hand team
IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR
The woman known as the Green Lady just can’t get enough of her favourite shade
IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE
After years of slogging in Hollywood, Colman Domingo is revelling in the glory his role in Rustin has brought him
IRON LUNG, IRON WILL
HIS life changed forever one summer day in 1952. Paul Alexander was six years old and cooling off in light rain outside his family home when his head and neck began to hurt.
WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?
A trusted figure in their community was found guilty of murdering their daughthers, but the two devastated families are still struggling to find closure
HE HIJACKED MY LIFE
Abby Furness’ world was turned upside down when a stranger began impersonating her online, sending explicit messages to colleagues and friends.
5 MINUTE FIXES
Don’t have much time to exercise? No problem! These super-quick workouts mean you can improve your fitness, strength and posture in the time it takes to make a cup of tea
THE JOY OF SELENA
After years of illness and mental health problems the Disney darling is finally in a really good place COMPILED
TAKE THAT CROCODILE!
When Anthony was attacked in a dam on a weekend break, his fearless family and friends had no intention of losing him to the bloodthirsty beast