The Durban indian community has long been known as the life blood of racing in the province and Gold Circle has recognised this with a massive celebration of their existence in South Africa. 

Greyville Racecourse in Durban will be transformed into a “little India” on November 13 as Gold Circle and the people of KwaZulu-Natal celebrate the arrival of the first Indians in Durban 150 years ago. When you think Indian you automatically think striking colour, beauty and curry, yes curry, curry and more curry and the Greyville curry is renowned throughout the country for its special flavour and “bite”, the bite that is “just right” and makes this exotic dish quite unique.

Curry is one of the most famous “imports” that arrived in Durban 150 years ago with the first Indian settlers that were indentured by the British to work in the cane fields and coal mines and whose descendants have become an important and colourful sector of the country’s rainbow nation.

With them they have brought the delights of the Far East which is the spice centre of the world and the magnificent dishes emanating from that spectacular country are now being enjoyed around the Globe.

But it is in Durban, where the Indian population is at its greatest in South Africa, that the best curries are prepared, based on a variety of recipes that have been handed down over the years. Those special curries and other exotic Indian foods will be available from the many stalls at Greyville Racecourse on the day of the racemeeting.

Gold Circle chefs have a special curry recipe which is sought after by visiting owners and trainers from around the country along with the locals who state it is the best curry in the land. As one serious curry lover put it, “the Greyville curry is something else. Curry is my favourite food and I have sampled it at numerous venues. But I have not found a dish to rival the flavour of the curry at Greyville - it is the best.”

One of the leading suppliers of spices and curry ingredients in Durban is Osmans and they are making a contribution to the day by handing out 2 000 free 50gm sachets of curry powder to racegoers arriving at the gates.

But the day is not just about curry and other mouth-watering dishes as patrons will also be entertained by professional dancers and musicians performing a wide variety of traditional Indian dances between races. Indian dance is a mixture of colour, beauty and precision depicting scenes and telling stories through expression and movement.

Everyone at the course on the day has a chance of winning a free trip for two to the fabulous city of Mumbai or one of the many other prizes on offer and entry forms for the competition will be available at the Greyville gates on the day.

Adding more colour and beauty to the whole occasion will be two fabulous fashion competitions offering valuable prizes. They are the Sari Queen Contest and the Little Miss Eastern Wear Competition.

And, in case you are wondering, in between all the fun and entertainment, there will be some exciting horseracing making for a fabulous outing for the whole family.