2012 Avis South African Derby
It's just days away from the equestrian fraternity's most anticipated event, the 2012 Avis South African Derby. More than 13 000 spectators will pack the grand stands and the various marquees at Kyalami Equestrian Park in Johannesburg to watch the much anticipated showdown between the top equestrian riders in South Africa.
The theme for this year's Sunday event is "In Black and White" and organisers are expecting attendees to the Sunday finals to really take heed of the theme and express themselves.
The 2012 Avis South African Derby will be held from 3 to 7 October at Kyalami Equestrian Park. The equestrian festival spans a full five days. Entrance from Wednesday to Friday is free and guests can enjoy the nail-biting action of all the preliminary rounds and qualifiers. The event really comes to life from Saturday as families and friends descend on the grounds to take in the food, wine, entertainment and sport with Sunday remaining the pinnacle.
Saturday highlights:
• Childrens' play and entertainment area featuring face painting, pizza making, jumping castles, clown shows and more
• Food and wine village with 15 different flavours and varieties of food and wine from around the world set on a lovely raised deck under tents and umbrellas
• Shopping village with over 20 retail stores showcasing a wide variety of fashions and jewellery
• Exclusive GHS members area with private grand stand and cocktail lounge
• Large general access beer tent serving a variety of local beers to help quench the thirst
• Mini Show Jumping Derby (1.3m) and other top equestrian disciplines
Sunday highlights:
All of the highlights mentioned in Saturday above as well as:
• The South African Derby Marquee, a sit down lunch affair overlooking the main arena
• The G&G Live Marquee, a cocktail style lounge marquee offering a slightly less formal atmosphere with ringside view of the main arena
• The Champagne Village where corporate clients and individuals looking for a more private entertaining environment can relax in private suites catering for up to 30 guests
• The 2012 Avis South African Derby, South Africa's most prestigious and premier equestrian title
• The finals of the Compleat Horse and Dressage Derbies.
• Parade of the Friesians, American Saddle horses and Miniature Ponies
• The official afterparty hosted by Gareth Cliff with performances by Goodluck and Chiano Sky which kicks off in the extended G&G Live Marquee from 6pm
This year sees over 220 Adult Open horses and more than 70 riders competing to be one of the top thirty combinations making it to the ultimate Avis South African Showjumping Derby on the final day. And that is just in the show-jumping category alone.
Not only do the riders compete for the coveted trophy in the thrilling 2012 Avis South African Derby, but other riders also vie for top honours in the driving, compleat horse and showing categories.
Date: 03 October 2012 to 07 October 2012Time: 08:00 - 17:00
Venue: Kyalami Equestrian Park, Johannesburg
Cost: Free entrance Wednesday to Friday. R85 Saturday. R125 Sunday