This archive report was first published on 10 November 2019.
On a recent Sunday, I visited the Ngong Racecourse, where I had heard they were selling a book on the history of horse racing in Kenya. As someone interested in any aspect of Kenyan history, I thought it would be a great opportunity to combine a day out with the races and purchasing the book.
However, I was surprised to find that the attendance was much lower than expected, with only a few hundred spectators in attendance. This contrasted sharply with the Concours, which can attract up to 10,000 spectators. I wondered if this was due to a preference for cars over horses, or if the Jockey Club could consider adding more entertainment options to attract a younger crowd.
Despite the low attendance, the racecourse setting was still magnificent, and the racing was competitive and enjoyable to watch. I was impressed by the skill and enthusiasm of the Kenyan jockeys, including Tanui, the winner of the feature race, the Geoffrey Griffin Trophy.
As someone who used to compete in one-mile handicap races in England, I was interested to learn more about the history of horse racing in Kenya. The book, 'And They're Off: More than 100 years of racing in Kenya' by Shel Arensen, was a great resource, providing a wealth of information and fascinating photographs.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book was its account of the early days of horse racing in Kenya, including the first recorded horse race in 1498 and the establishment of the East African Turf Club in 1904. The book also tells the story of the Jockey Club of Kenya, which has guided the race meetings since 1920.
Overall, my visit to the Ngong Racecourse was a enjoyable experience, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in horse racing or looking for a fun day out. The next race meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, with gates opening at 12pm and entrance costing Sh500 for adults and 50 shillings for children.
