Avontuur Estate announced today that the Winery and Thoroughbred Stud farm near Somerset West will be sponsoring the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas at Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town on Saturday, 2 December 2006 .

The race, which is the first Grade 1 of the Cape Summer Season, always sees some of South Africa 's top Fillies competing. It is one of the major races for fillies and enhances the value and paddock potential of the winner.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Avontuur GM, Pippa Mickleburgh said that she was very excited about it as it would mean huge exposure for the Stud and Winery to the right people. “I believe that our involvement with the Fillies Guineas will lead to business opportunities as well as putting Avontuur out there in a market which is currently trading under difficult conditions, especially the winery side!”

Combined with the sponsorship, Avontuur has also invited some of South Africa 's most influential “Fillies” in the wine and horse racing industry to assist with raising funds to combat fetal alcohol syndrome, which is prevalent in many Western Cape farming communities.

According to Ms Mickleburgh, Avontuur wants to use the Fillies Guineas day to raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause and although it is a fun and glamorous day at the races – Avontuur's responsibility towards the community cannot be forgotten.