J&B Met 2011 Results
Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town, South Africa, came alive this weekend with color, fashion, entertainment and outstanding live horse racing action at the annual J&B Met. It is an event that brings approximately fifty thousand horse racing enthusiasts together each year and is seen as one of the country’s most prestigious events. This year, it was held on Saturday, 29 January 2011, and the air was thick with anticipation, excitement and breathtaking victories. It was a day that was enjoyed by all and created a festive atmosphere throughout the entire city.
The J&B Met was originally known as the Metropolitan Mile and the first winner of this event was Sir Hercules in 1883. The race struggled to find glory and acceptance for many years, but by the 1960s the race was spoken of alongside the Summer Cup and Durban July. In the year 1978, the race underwent a name change to the J&B Met, with J&B Rare Scotch Whiskey stepping in as sponsors. That same year, a chestnut named Politician took the victory and went on to become one of South Africa’s most celebrated horses.
There is a maximum entry amount of twenty horses for the J&B Met field, and it is an event for three-year-old horses and older. A total purse amount of R2.5 million is set aside for the race and the winner walks away with R1 420 000. Seventeen horses were entered into this year’s race namely, in draw order, Rushing Wind, Rudra, Pocket Power, Paddy O’Reilly, Flirtation, In Writing, Fort Vogue, Mother Russia, Lion In Winter, Run For It, Cask, Last Regal, Bravura, Celtic Fire, Past Master, Tales of Bravery and Super Storm.
While the horses were preparing for battle on the racecourse, couples and singles were strutting their stuff on the pavilions and social areas, hoping to catch the eyes of the judges to win the titles and prizes available to the public for their styles and designs. But ultimately the day belonged to Past Master, who gave an outstanding performance and won the 2011 J&B Met for owner Hassen Adams and trainers Dan Katz and Darryl Hodgson. Past Master was ridden by Gerrit Schlecter, and together they managed to outrun Mother Russia who finished second, Run For It in third and Tales of Bravery in forth position.
