By Andrew Irumba
Kampala: Kampala’s most-loved social event; the Royal Ascot Goat race is back, this time with an even louder bang. This year’s event,organised by Ruparelia Foundation in conjunction with several sponsors will be held on August 22, 2019 at its signature five start Hotel, Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Ruparelia Foundation, the patrons of this calendar event said this is one way of giving back to the needy under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The official confirmation of this year’s event was made Friday evening June 21, 2019 by Rajiv Ruparelia during the event’s launch at Kabira Country Club Kampala.
Rajiv, the MD of Ruparelia group during the launch said;“The royal Goat race event is ultimately the fun show for everyone in Uganda who likes to socialize and network, doing business and will be happening again, pocked with lots of fun.” He revealed that the event would also include additional activities like a silent disco, a chilling out lounge, food and drink outlets and entertainment for both adults and children, among others.
The event which was last held in 2018 after six years of quietness is powered by several sponsors including; Ruparelia Foundation, Sanyu FM, Gold Star Insurance Company, the Tusker Malt beer, among others.
The event has also attracted new sponsors, Robbialac brand of Crown Berger Uganda Ltd and Silk events. The Royal Ascot goat races event promises to recreate one of the most eagerly awaited weekend’s social and merrymaking, extravagant, fashion eats and music, which were the hallmarks of the great social royal Ascot Goat Races event for years.
The goats come dressed in T-shirts with numbers inscribed on them. The goat owners actually bet loads of money on which goat is going to win the race. Rajiv told participants that the royal goat races,unlike in horse races where the animals display amazing speed and footwork, goat handlers push a padded horizontal barrier on wheels around the track to keep the goats from grazing, fighting or running backwards during the race. Rajiv noted that this year’s signature event would highlight fashion, entertainment, food, glamour and style. He called upon all Ugandans not only to come and watch the interesting goat race, but also to network and socialize with family, friends and the business community.
Shs11.5m was realized at this year’s royal goat race Ascot.
This year’s proceeds from the race will go to the construction of public toilets at Good Samaritan School in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb.
