Cape Dreams News from in and around the Cape
HERMAN GIBBS
13 November 2023 – The internationally famous Alistair Cohen, the former Dubai race caller, has been appointed Senior Manager, Broadcasting and Commentating of the burgeoning Cape Racing organization.
For the past few years, the Durban-born Cohen worked for the Emirates Racing Authority and was responsible for commentaries that went out on the Dubai Racing Channel and the international feed.
Before his plumb Dubai appointment, the world-class race caller had stints around South Africa and Scotland.
The appointment follows Cohen’s periodic guest calling of Cape races over the last few months and recent negotiations with Cape Racing’s senior management.
Justin Vermaak, Racing & Bloodstock Executive, said: “We are delighted to have secured Alistair’s services permanently. He is very talented, both as a commentator and a presenter, popular with racing fans and within the racing community. He fits perfectly with our long-term plan to make racing in the Western Cape a truly world-class experience.”
Cohen’s duties will go beyond race calling and will extend to the coordination of Cape Racing’s broadcasting products, including pre-race interviews and race day presentations.
He commented: “My brief is to direct and shape Cape Racing’s overall broadcasting content and product into world-class quality. I am excited to be working closely with Justin and the team, all people who are driven, committed and hold themselves to the highest standards.”
Hot on the heels of Cohen’s appointment comes the news that Brandon Bailey will join Cape Racing’s broadcast and commentating team. The former 4Racing and 4Racing TV presenter/commentator will no doubt invigorate the local horse racing scene.
“We are excited to have Brandon join our team. The execution of our vision at Cape Racing requires large quantities of energy and passion,” said Vermaak. “Brandon possesses both in abundance. Brandon is a valuable and welcome addition to our already well-established team.“
Said Bailey: “I am so grateful for this opportunity of a lifetime. I could not believe my eyes when I recently toured Hollywoodbets Kenilworth. When all is said and done, this racecourse will be one of the top racecourses in the world, and I need to pinch myself that I am now part of this journey.”
Vermaak also announced a few minor tweaks to the programme for the season. Changes have been made to the classification of three graded races and a listed race to ensure black-type quality control.
There have also been a few minor adjustments to the traditional Winter feature race programme.
“The Graded Races Committee has to downgrade races that have not been hitting the qualifying criteria advised by the Asian Racing Federation’s Asian pattern committee, which implements and administers general rules for the inclusion of Group and Listed races in the ARF Pattern,” said Vermaak.
“We take the standard of black-type (group/graded and listed events) racing in Cape Town very seriously. At Cape Racing, we took the step to voluntarily downgrade our races, which were not reaching their respective criteria from a ratings perspective.”
Caption: Alistair Cohen, world-class horse racing commentator, TV presenter, journalist, MC and auctioneer has joined Cape Racing. Picture: Supplied
