Re:Dress code at the course

I appreciate what you say Mhuti and I'm not having a go at Easy either just pointing out that as happened to Felix who started this post it would appear it's not about the rules but rather about who you know.

MissT wrote: I appreciate what you say Mhuti and I'm not having a go at Easy either just pointing out that as happened to Felix who started this post it would appear it's not about the rules but rather about who you know.

.....Exactly....and this is what smacks of elitism.....and no longer has a place in local racing ....as the "connected" can ill afford for potential people that may want to join the racing fraternity.....being turned away because they look out of place......I once went to Scottsville with a cousin to introduce him to trainers and connections.....we went into the owners and trainers lounge without badges.....hardly anyone said anything with the exception of at the time a newbie wise cracking smart arse off duty racing presenter.....and he was neither an owner nor trainer.....so what was he doing there without a badge....

Interesting debate with many divergent views. As many of our patrons expect a dress code as believe there should be absolutely no dress code. At the risk of walking into the lions' den, allow me to share my personal view. I do believe that in certain venues on the race course a Dress Code is warranted, albeit that the standard may simply be "Smart Casual". However, I do agree that whatever Dress Codes are implemented, these must be consistently applied to all patrons and exceptions not be made on the basis of "who you know".

the hawk wrote: Interesting debate with many divergent views. As many of our patrons expect a dress code as believe there should be absolutely no dress code. At the risk of walking into the lions' den, allow me to share my personal view. I do believe that in certain venues on the race course a Dress Code is warranted, albeit that the standard may simply be "Smart Casual". However, I do agree that whatever Dress Codes are implemented, these must be consistently applied to all patrons and exceptions not be made on the basis of "who you know".

This issue, as well as the related 'access to Parade Ring' has always had conflicting views - I can only speak for the Gauteng courses, as I have limited experience at other venues.

So in Gauteng, I have never been clear on whose responsibility it is to firstly establish, and secondly enforcing dress codes and/or Parade Ring entrance. Maybe someone can enlighten me ?

I am guessing that the tracks (and therefor Phumelela ?) is responsible for this ? Certainly it can't be the RA - because what control would they have over non-RA members ? Even the Elevation Room at Turffies - supposedly only open to RA members - so who decided that ? If some sort of agreement has been reached giving the RA control over the Elevation Room, then it would follow that they can also create and enforce a dress code as they see fit. What about the other rooms (Furious etc) - who is in charge? What about the Vaal - who pulls the stings there?

The Parade Ring (at any track) is surely a different issue though ? Say an owner has a runner, but does not belong to the RA or any other 'club' or racing organisation - which means he/she has no badge - surely that owner can't be denied access to the Parade Ring - and he/she can show up in their pj's should they wish - or does the tracks (therefor P ?) have established dress codes relating to Parade Ring entrance ?

In all cases however (no matter who is responsible for establishing the 'rules'), these 'rules' has to be published and be accessible and has to apply consistently to all patrons (owners, trainers, TT employees, and the general public)

Miss T

I cannot answer your question. What I can say is if you have guests you sort of try and make them feel welcome. So I would venture to say that if a UK based family arrived at Greyville and were not appropriately dressed they would still have been allowed in.

I know this for sure because the IRC does trips out to SA with UK clients and EVERY SONGLE one of them says " safe people are so welcoming and hospitable"

SO I have faith that even without knowing anyone just your accent and the fact that you foreign and visiting would allow you a "free pass"

Easy I'm not disagreeing with you but you see the problem it causes for those who don't have an accent and who then are refused entry as was the case with Felix and his party. Clearly the rules need to be looked at and discretion used to avoid this . Its embarrassing and disappointing when people are turned away because so called rules are either not clear or are not adhered to. Mr V would probably say they are only guidelines but that's another issue. We cannot have it both ways. Either stick to the rules as they are or change them to avoid this from happening. Just my opinion of course.

Wonder where the " Covid " police where, a certain trainer was arrested not that long ago for simply being on the grandstand , disgraceful

Bob Brogan wrote:

Hearing the Calil's caused a ruckus at Greyville, pissed and walking about with bottles of whisky in the parade ring.. No Masks and taking clothes off

There are plenty Kalil's in racing. Who were the guilty party?