Parade rings at racecourses in KwaZulu-Natal have taken on a new
look following the introduction from Saturday of the new groom outfits
supplied to participating trainers in the province by the local
Racing Chapter of Gold Circle.
The KwaZulu-Natal Racing Chapter of Gold Circle has been actively
pursuing a programme of development and improvement for the industry
in the province with the welfare and upliftment of the local grooms
as one of its main focal points.
The Chapter already runs the highly successful grooms school at
Summerveld and from the beginning of May has supplied nearly 300
sets of grooms outfits for use at race meetings in the province.
Gold Circle, which now makes all purchases where possible from empowerment
companies or organisations has followed the same path with the supply
of these new outfits which comprise standard coloured pants, cotton
shirts in a variety of colours and special jackets for protection
in inclement weather.
The Deputy Chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal Racing Chapter of Gold
Circle, Mr Michael Holmes, said the Chapter had undertaken this
project at its own cost as part of its overall plan to improve all
conditions and facilities at courses in the province.
"We believe the facilities, atmosphere and ambiance at courses
in KwaZulu-Natal are among the best in the world and, as our racing
is now beamed overseas on a regular basis, we are keen to maintain
as high a standard as possible."