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Dress Code in Effect for Race Day!

Image of horse racing
Persons wanting to take in the horse racing action on National Day will be required to adhere to dress codes specific to their ticket or invitation category.

THE Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, which is the premier marketing agency for the Caribbean Equine Cultural Event (CECE), scheduled for 13 December of this year, is calling on Saint Lucians to be mindful of certain things when the event kicks off on that day.

For instance, there is a dress code in place should one be desirous of attending the event. Ladies interested in attending and who expect to be accommodated in the VIP area, which is by invitation only, are required to maintain a standard of dress in keeping with the dignity of the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club (RSLTC), a subsidiary of the China Horse Racing Club, and the operator of the horse racing facility in Beausejour, Vieux Fort.

Hats and fascinators are not required but are encouraged especially on feature race days, like the upcoming day in December where the feature race is a US$150,000 winner takes all purse.

Women are not allowed to wear jeans, tank tops, sleeveless tops, short pants, revealing clothes, beach wear, slippers, flip flops, sneakers and gym shoes.

Men are required to wear a suit or tailored pants and sports jacket with dress shoes, collared shirt and tie. Hats may be worn but they are not compulsory.

According to the Authority the RSLTC reserves the right to refuse persons entry into the VIP area or the parade ring if they are not properly attired.

Persons attending the races who will be in the public viewing area also have a dress code to abide by, meaning they cannot wear whatever it is they want to wear at the races. While they can wear casual clothes to the races, revealing clothes are not permitted and all must wear shoes.

The Authority is calling on patrons to take note of certain items not allowed into the venue. Not permitted into the venue are alcohol, food, coolers, tents and grills. Also unacceptable in the venue are traditional backpacks and school bags, firearms, weapons and pets.

The Tourism Authority is pitching the event as a winter escape for North Americans and Europeans hoping that the appeal of sunshine, warm weather and the hospitality of Saint Lucians, coupled with direct flights to and from cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, London, Manchester, even those in Canada, would bring visitors to the country for that special day.

December is being advertised as an exciting month to be in Saint Lucia, especially with the launch of the thoroughbred racing industry on the 13th which will also witness the race dubbed ‘The Richest Race Course in the Caribbean.’

The race called the richest race in the Caribbean will see 12 players vying for the US$150,000 purse. Local horses will also participate in that race said to be one of a series of highlights at the event.

This year’s edition draws particular inspiration from the 2015 CECF Singapore, which coupled social responsibility and business networking with the richest day of racing in Singapore’s history.

Micah George is an established name in the journalism landscape in St. Lucia. He started his journalism tutelage under the critical eye of the Star Newspaper Publisher and well known journalist, Rick Wayne, as a freelancer. A few months later he moved to the Voice Newspaper under the guidance of the paper’s recognized editor, Guy Ellis in 1988.

Since then he has remained with the Voice Newspaper, progressing from a cub reporter covering court cases and the police to a senior journalist with a focus on parliamentary issues, government and politics. Read full bio...

5 Comments

  1. Among the items prohibited, i didn’t see the prohibition of Weed. Is that an
    oversight or am I mistaken. I know horses like grass, but make sure the guys don’t
    start smoking a joint in this place.Watch alcoholics,the dope and the bad manners.
    If you spoil it on the first day – then look out. Do men have to wear High Hats too.

    1. Locals should BOYCOTT this event as this mandatory dress code is outrageous and unheard of at any racetrack in the western hemisphere (not to mention culturally disrespectful). Patrons voluntarily dress-up at racetracks, and to forcefully implement a dress code based on one culture that’s not indigenous to the Caribbean region reeks of colonialism and racism even if its only for the inaugrual event. Let these event promoters know LOUD and CLEAR …. This is NOT CHINA. St. Lucians – “Don”t gain the world and lose YOUR SOUL!”

      Carew – VI Horseman.

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