The Kenya Derby, the local rendition of ‘the greatest turf event in the world’ and the biggest race in the country, is set for this weekend at Ngong Racecourse.
On Sunday, Kenya will take its place on the international stage to find the best horse in the country.
The derby, a 243-year-old tradition, first ran in 1780 in Epsom, and was named after the great lover of racing, Lord Derby, and is now 101 years old in Kenya.
The battle for the title of the best horse in Kenya takes place at 3:55 pm over 2400m and is the much-anticipated duel between the undefeated Saint Moritz and unbeaten Honeybell Orange, both owned by Lady Spencer.
Though a tantalising fixture on paper, Saint Moritz is the favourite, ridden by the vastly experienced Lesley Sercombe, who is confident but cautious, saying: “Nothing is given in a big race.”
In pure racing terms, the only thing that can stand in the way of the unrivalled king, Saint Moritz, is superstition, where it is believed that winning the Soprani Cup, the trial for the Kenya Derby, which Saint Moritz won by some distance two weeks ago, is the kiss of death for the Kenya Derby.
The punters, and perhaps some owners, trainers, and jockeys, may look to this mythical folklore to win the most coveted title in Kenya’s racing that can change fortunes. Trainer Ollie Gray, who won the Kenya Derby in 1986 said, “I won the Derby the first year I was here and it’s the reason I stayed.”
Fashion is equally at the centre of the day, honouring tradition with Kenya’s top models patronising culture from local and international designers adorned and peacocked in scenes that mimic popular culture TV series. This has become Nairobi’s most fashionable Sunday space, with patrons and celebrities travelling from overseas to be a part of the festivities.
The rest of the card that adorns the Kenya Derby is a colourful mix of potential with The D-Day Maiden wide open for anyone’s taking. The 1200m Breeding Futurity Stakes is a scramble between Beeston and The Gambler. The 1400m Once in a Lifetime Handicap is likely to be a closely fought affair between Daytime Girl and Daisy, with Twyford not be underestimated.
The 1800m Now or Never Handicap is an argument between Russian Wonder and Easterly, whilst the 2060m Delamere Gold Vase is perhaps the hypothetical closest quarrel of the card with General Lee as the favourite, and All Over Again and Kenya Queen vying for triumphs that are well within reach. The final race of the day is the City of Nairobi Cup with Mary of Burgundy the horse to beat.
As always, the Jockey Club of Kenya has as much happening on the track as off with DJs and live entertainment, a pop-up food market that includes Maurizio’s, Fabio’s Pizza, 254 Brewing, Lekker, as well as arts and crafts, and SuraZuri agency scouting for Kenya’s next top models. The end of the races are not the end of the day, with a sundowners after-party that has become a feature of the race day.
