For a second race meeting in a row, thousands of horse racing enthusiasts packed Ngong Racecourse over the weekend to witness the Kenya Fillies Guineas Ladies Day.
“When you see the grandstand full, you know racing is big and back, and you can’t miss being there,” said an excited Joe Karari who is one of Kenya’s pre-eminent horse trainers and a racing stalwart. “It’s the crowds that give us the drive to race.”
Tony Kuria, Kenya’s youngest trainer in racing, echoed the sentiments of Karari and the influence and benefits of the growing congregation for the sport.
“The atmosphere was beyond captivating and the attendance was unbelievable, filling the air with a vibrant energy. The ladies came in their finest fashion which added a touch of glamour to the day.”
The big winner of the day, for the second successive meeting, was Julie McCann, whose Maria, ridden by this season’s leading jockey, Henry Muya, won the prestigious Kenya Fillies Guineas comfortably.
McCann attributed her success and turnaround in fortunes to hard work and steadfastness.
“We went through a bad patch earlier in the season, but we haven’t changed anything and it's all just come together. It’s just a combination of consistency and patience and the jockey and the horse all in the same breath. You need to give the horses time, and have owners who believe in what you’re doing.”
McCann also paid homage to the value of the patrons and punters who flooded the racecourse to watch her triumph. “The general public gave us a great atmosphere to work in and celebrate. There’s such a vibe.”
As far as jockeys were concerned, Henry Muya, the current leader for the 2023/24 Champion Jockey prize, extended his lead over his rivals with three victories, that included the highly esteemed Kenya Fillies Guineas.
Muya is a vastly experienced jockey who has ridden internationally but has recently found his mojo, turning everything he touches into gold.
“I’d love to be the champion jockey. I’ve never won before but it’s not something I’ve given too much thought to. I’m just trying to be consistent and do what I do.”
Like McCann, Muya largely ascribes a belief in his beliefs, time, and repeatability as the key ingredients to producing results. “I’ve been in the game for so long, and the main thing to remember is don’t panic, keep the same routine, and keep it simple.”
With a palate now more frequently attuned to the flavour for victory, he expounded that “winning is a habit that’s hard to beat, and I’ve been riding great horses, and it’s mostly them. And racing is in a fantastic place for everyone, and the crowds are back, and I’m just really enjoying everything no matter what happens.”
