The first recorded winner of the Metropolitan Mile, as it was originally known in 1883, was Sir Hercules and, while the race had a chequered existence for many years in the early 1900’s, by the 1960’s it was firmly established as one of the “big three” races in the country along with the Durban July and the Summer Cup in Gauteng.
The race really came alive for those outside of racing circles when in 1978 J&B stepped in as sponsor, and the J&B Met as we know it today, was born. It is now the longest surviving sport’s sponsorship in South Africa.
The J&B Met celebrates its 37th anniversary with the theme ‘Made to Conquer.’ Aha!
Over 50 000 race-goers, wanna-be’s and hangers-on will descend on what promises to be yet another milestone of entertainment at Kenilworth.
‘No rain please’, I hear someone already murmuring to her companion as she’s undecided which label to wear…
Entertainment, the lawns of the venue are transformed into a tapestry of colour and fashion as the hugely popular J&B Most Elegant Couple competition takes place, thankfully sponsored by the ‘MEC’ in WC.
The first prize for the Elegant Couple includes amongst others; 7 night holiday at Beachcomber’s 5 Star Superior Paradis Hotel & Golf Club in Mauritius, courtesy of XL Absolut Travel and Beachcomber Tours.Go to www.j&bmet.co.za for more details on the competition.
Tickets to the J&B Met cost R195 for general entry.
For R495 you get J&B Lifestyle Village Pass which gives you exclusive access to stylish outdoor lounge seating, premium bar and food vendors, live performances, beauty treatments, reserved parking, racecourse entry, and a ticket to the 5FM Official After-party at the J&B Met After-party.
With the theme for this year “Made To Conquer” we shall see which jockey does ‘conquer’ and pocket the cool R2,5m and which couple has the swagger and magic touch in winning the overseas trip.
Gates open from 10 until late. Tickets are available from Computicket.
