The Badger's Set: Durban July

It was the first time since around 2001 that I had been to the Durban July. There had been a few changes around the place but generally it still is the same great day out that I remember. It always helps when you have the right mix of friends / gamblers surrounding you. In attendance was Tont, Jane, Billy, Courtney, Brendogg, Laura, Verve, Shane and Kerry, as well as a few others at various spots around the race course.

We had absolutely perfect weather. For those who might not know we’re actually in the grips of Winter here at the moment. And yet somehow you find yourself grappling for another beer to try and cool yourself down. Everyone arrived with the same idea and our little spot on the grandstand looked more like a shebeen than a high class horse racing event.

Like I said there had been a few changes at the July this year which included the following. There weren’t any Harley Davidson’s riding on display or any entertainment on the track between races at all really. Gold Circle encouraged everyone to vacate the premises at 9 bells and there wasn’t the usual pyrotechnics display at the end of the evening.

Some things still stayed the same though. I still lost all my money, there were still girls parading themselves around with barely any clothes on at all, and there was still a 13th race. In fact there was even some female representation in the 13th race this year, which was nice to see (http://www.durbanscouts.za.net/drupal/durban_july_13th_race)

Here’s a round-up of the day:

Lowlights

- Losing all my money
- Watching Mike win R650 on the winning horse in the main race (after a tip from Courtney)
- Having to leave the race course early cos of the new rules
- Losing the rugby against the Wobblies
- Losing my camera

Highlights

- Realising the next day that I had given my camera to my Mom
- Watching Billy get bummed because Courtney gave everyone the tip about the horse in the main race except her own boyfriend
- Having a jol back in Durban with all the maties
- Grazing a Johnny’s roti at the end of the night

Here’s a few action photos from the day.