- Article courtesy of Sporting Post
https://www.sportingpost.co.za/cape-racing-a-new-era-is-official/
The Cape Racing Grooms School continues to play a critical role in upskilling a strategically vital support sector of the horseracing industry, and Riding Master Craig Du Plooy and his team were proud recipients of further operational and logistical support from Hollywoodbets at an official handover at the Milnerton Training Centre last Thursday.
Former professional jockey Craig du Plooy has been inspirational in providing career enhancing training for Grooms and Workriders, who make an important contribution 365 days a year to the ecosystem of a muti-faceted sport.
On Thursday a delighted Du Plooy and his team took delivery of kitchen, office, medical and stable supplies at a short ceremony at the refurbished and vibrant Hollywoodbets Cape Racing Grooms School HQ at Milnerton.
The Hollywood Foundation has been the primary source of the investment in providing top quality facilities to improve the specialist skills.
Grooms School staffmember Wiseman Mlindi, Hollywoodbets Jackson Masengesho, Cape Racing’s Teresa Esplin, and Riding Master Craig Du Plooy with his colleague Bongi Maqelana give the thumbs up on a happy day! (Pic – Troy Finch)
Du Plooy, who gave the thumbs up in a photograph with his team-mates Bongi Maqelana and Wiseman Mlindi, as well as representatives of Cape Racing and the sponsors, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation for the donation of the equipment and the investment in the future wellbeing of racing in the region.
“I cannot thank all involved who made this happen, enough. The commitment, support and donation of vital equipment is valued and, be assured, will go to great use. We are excited to start the new revamped school and just looking around us today, it’s clear that we have upped our game again. It feels good to know that the importance of this institution is valued by Hollywoodbets and Cape Racing. The gesture is appreciated by every past and future student, as well as the various stakeholders who directly benefit from the upgraded skills of those that graduate from the Hollywoodbets Cape Racing Grooms School,” added a thrilled Du Plooy.
Hollywoodbets’ Jackson Masengesho looks the part as he tries out the equiciser (Pic – Troy Finch)
Hollywoodbets Brand & Communications Manager Devin Heffer responded, and said that it was an honour and privilege for them to have played a role in the resurgence and ongoing success of the Cape Racing Grooms School.
“Milnerton Training Centre has undergone a major facelift courtesy of the partnership between Hollywoodbets and Cape Racing, and the Grooms School, under Craig du Plooy, was a major part of that project. The completion of the upgrades and refurbishment of the training facilities will enable the school to take their courses to the next level, and provide a foundation for producing even more skilled riders and stable personnel. The commitment of all the students to increase their knowledge and practical skills has also been inspirational, and we look forward to seeing more graduates participating in the Hollywoodbets Workriders Series soon!”
The Hollywoodbets Workriders Series is set to reach an exciting conclusion on 17 February.
