The winter chill did not stop thousands of Daily News 2000 fans from attending the raceday meeting at Greyville on Saturday.
The R1-million event, which has become a talent-spotting opportunity ahead of the Vodacom Durban July, has been running for 27 years.
It was no different this time round, when favourite Jackson got home first, underlying his form and pedigree ahead of next month’s big race.
Throughout the day’s 10 races, screams and cheers could be heard from fans and punters clutching their betting slips.
While some excited fans were on their toes, jumping up and down with excitement, there were the occasional shouts of frustration and disappointment as the wrong horse made it to the finish first.
At the restaurant, hospitality suites and other indoor venues, those reluctant to brave the cold were glued to television screens, waiting to see whether their bets proved to be winners.
There were mixed emotions for fans and punters when Jackson crossed first in the main race, the Daily News 2000.
Steven Naidoo, a fan who had bet on the favourite, said: “I knew that he would win and I know that he will win the Durban July. He is a class horse. I will be betting on him for the Durban July.”
There was the presentation ceremony of the Daily News 2000 floating trophy to the winning owners and mementos to the winning owner, trainer, jockey and groom.
Jackson’s trainer, Brett Crawford, said he was not surprised at the result.
“He has won a big race in Cape Town that is on par with the Daily News 2000. He is very young and has had a handful of races. He is on track with the Durban July preparations. That is his next objective, to win the July,” he said.
Congratulating the jockey, Karis Teetan, Crawford said it was a confident ride.
“He is part of my stable and he knows Jackson,” he said.
Teetan, 22, said he had a strong relationship with the horse. “I have ridden him since day one,” he said.
Independent Newspapers-KZN marketing director Lorne MacLaine congratulated Jackson on his win, adding that the Daily News 2000 was an excellent indicator of a probable result in the Durban July.
“Over the 27 years of the Daily News 2000, a great number of horses have won both races. If a Daily News 2000 horse does not win the July, it has been very highly placed in the event,” he said.
Jackson was not the only winner at the event.
Yuraj Mohanlal hit the jackpot when he won a R35 000 holiday at Umzolozolo Safari Park in a lucky draw after the main race.
“I am so excited. I will be taking my wife and my two kids on this holiday,” Mohanlal said.