For more than 130 years, horse racing in KwaZulu-Natal has been built not only by great horses and memorable races, but by generations of families whose commitment helped shape one of South Africa's oldest sporting institutions.

From the establishment of the Durban Turf Club in 1897 through to the creation of Gold Circle almost a century later, the sport has relied on the loyalty of owners, breeders, administrators, racegoers and members who passed their passion for racing from one generation to the next.

Former Gold Circle chairman Robert Mauvis believes that legacy was not afforded the recognition it deserved during the negotiations that ultimately led to what is today known as RaceCoast.

"I think it is a disgrace that more than 130 years of history was largely ignored during the negotiations."

"The July Handicap has been part of our history for well over a century. Racing has always been about families passing their passion from one generation to the next."

A Legacy Built by Families

Mauvis says one of the finest examples of that generational legacy is the Jonsson family.

"One of our biggest owners today is Nick Jonsson. He is involved in racing because his father, Ben Jonsson, introduced him and the family to the sport when he was a youngster. But the Jonsson family's connection to racing stretches back to the very foundation of organised racing in Durban."

"When the Durban Turf Club was established in 1897, Frederick Lennard Jonsson was one of the Club's original stewards, while W.G. Brown, a direct ancestor of the family, served as the Club's first chairman. That is exactly what I mean when I speak about generations of families building this industry. There are many other families with similar stories."

According to Mauvis, those generations of loyal members were largely forgotten during the transition.

"People who devoted decades of their lives to racing were simply forgotten."

"Members who proudly wore their club badges and supported racing year after year suddenly found those traditions disappearing. I don't understand why that legacy wasn't protected."

A Personal Connection

Mauvis speaks from personal experience. His own involvement with the Durban Turf Club spans decades, including serving as a steward during the Club's centenary celebrations.

"I was privileged to serve as a steward of the Durban Turf Club when we celebrated our centenary. It was one of the proudest occasions in the Club's history, and we invited Queen Elizabeth II to be our guest. Those celebrations weren't simply about racing—they celebrated the people and traditions that built the Club over a century."

Image supplied by Nick Jonsson 

The Formation of Gold Circle

He also reflected on one of the most significant administrative changes in KwaZulu-Natal racing.

"When we formed the association of the three clubs and created Gold Circle, our objective was to unite the Durban Turf Club, Clairwood Turf Club and Pietermaritzburg Turf Club under one organisation (Gold Circle) while ensuring members of each club enjoyed equal rights, equal facilities and equal recognition. Those principles were fundamental to what we were trying to achieve."

"And sadly, much of that was not carried through during the negotiations that ultimately led to the new structure with Hollywoodbets."

The Financial Legacy

Mauvis also points to the financial legacy Gold Circle brought into the transaction.

Following the sale of Clairwood Racecourse for a record R430 million, approximately R300 million was ring-fenced for the long-term benefit of racing. By the time the Hollywoodbets transaction was concluded, he says around R230 million remained in reserve.

According to Mauvis, Hollywoodbets agreed to match that amount rand-for-rand over five years to strengthen stakes, creating what he describes as a combined investment of approximately R460 million in prizemoney.

While welcoming that investment, Mauvis questions why similar recognition was not extended to Gold Circle's members during the transition to what is now RaceCoast.

Recognition, Not Criticism

He is equally careful not to direct that criticism at Hollywoodbets itself, believing the matter may never have reached Hollywoodbets supremo Owen Heffer.

"I don't believe Owen Heffer was involved in that aspect of the negotiations," Mauvis said. "I've found Owen to be a practical, fair-minded gentleman. Had the issue of recognising Gold Circle's members been put before him, I believe he would have found a way to preserve that legacy."

"Why couldn't Gold Circle members have been granted complimentary membership of what is now RaceCoast?"

"It would have acknowledged the generations of members whose loyalty, commitment and financial support helped build racing in KwaZulu-Natal over more than 130 years."

Respecting the Past While Building the Future

"This is about respecting the people who built the sport. Investment is essential for racing's future, but preserving its heritage is equally important. Without that history, there is no future."

While acknowledging the significant investment Hollywoodbets has made in South African racing, Mauvis believes the industry's future should never come at the expense of its past.

"The buildings may change, the companies may change and the names may change," he said. "But the people who built this industry, and the legacy they left behind, should never be forgotten."