Goats thrill fest-goers at Munyonyo

PIC: Party people enjoying the goats race at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Saturday. (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

GOAT RACE

KAMPALA - The Royal Ascot Goat Races returned on Saturday at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Lakeside. As expected, it had lots of fun.

After a six-year break, one would have thought the event had lost its gloss and probably people had moved on. Not a chance.

Not even the rain that tried to spoil the fun for some minutes could bring this fanfare that started at midday to a halt.

A cross section of people comprising of: royals, corporates, diplomats, glitterati, business men, travel blogger and media, social media influencers and a cross section of high society flocked in by the droves.

Zimbabwe twins, Gift Petro and Pachawo Petro with Sudhir Ruparelia during the event at Speke Resort Munyonyo. (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

Most first-time attendees straddled by the race track as though they were watching an Olympic sprint. But then this fete is not really about the goats, it’s about everything.

It was more about merry-making, showcasing creative (if not outrageous fashion) and networking and of course dancing to loud music.

Those with kids let them dash for the bouncing castles while those with various colour-coded wristbands that allowed access to the different hospitality tents (manned by various sponsors) headed towards the respective tents where there was plenty of food.

The President Uganda Olympic Committee, William Blick (with a goat) and other fest-goers during the event. ( Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

In fact, the air was alive with mouthwatering scents of roasting chicken, goat’s ribs, fish and sea food.

This time around, the tent to look out for wasxTusker Malt’s joint tent with Kampala Casino.

However, it is Sudhir Ruparelia’s tent that many wanted to access. Hordes of celebrities, corporate honchos and high society decked in there and mingled, making that tent’s bar counter the busiest on the day.

Besides the traditional competitions for Best Dressed Couple; Best Dressed man; Best Hat; Best Dressed Lady; Best Dressed Child and Best Goat Name, this time there were prizes for photo uploads. These included Best selfie; Best couple Selfie; Best Goat Impression and cute Group Selfie among others. All competitions won prizes.

The goats raced, of course, pushed by the goat handlers on the track but it was apparent that most of the goats fielded for the event were visibly not in a racing mood. Still, they had to do the entire seven races for the day cheered and urged on to the finish line by the different bettors who had staked money per goat to win.

Local musician Bebe Cool entertains funs. (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

“Horse Number two is in the lead!” the MC Patrick Idringi aka Salvado hollered himself hoarse. “It has been consistent for the last two laps. So energetic. It has both Ethiopian and Kenyan genes…we ought to call it Kip-he-goat to rhyme with the Kipsiro sprinting fame.”

The event’s winning goat that won the Kia Motor Goat race was a billy goat named the Dancing Goat. That was the last race before dusk crept in.

There were musical performances from artistes Bebe Cool and Fik Fameika. All proceeds from the race went to a charity cause.