Cape Town - The Met is back with a new sponsor, and it promises to serve up more glamour than ever.
After 39 years, J&B withdrew its sponsorship of the Met earlier this year. On Wednesday it was revealed Sun International is the new sponsor of what has been dubbed the Sun Met.
Sun International chief operating officer Rob Collins announced his decision at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, at an event attended by mayor Patricia de Lille, local musicians including Jimmy Nevis and the Miss South Africa finalists.
Collins said the two brands were an obvious match.
“Given the gaming and social history of The Met, the synergy between our two premium entertainment and hospitality brands was immediately clear,” he said.
“The Met represents the oldest and grandest event on the South African entertainment calendar.
“What we can promise is that we will bring elegance, sophistication, glamour and excitement to the event, and there will be so much more that race goers can now look forward to.”
There may be a spectacle for those who don’t attend the race.
“We want to embrace Cape Town, and have the horses and jockeys parading down one of the main streets the week before the race, just to create the hype,” Collins said.
In celebration, attendees raised a glass of GH Mumm French champagne - the new presenting sponsor. Mumm brand manager Etienne Cassuto said: “Mumm has always been an icon of victory -celebrating the most intense sporting achievements.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Sun International to bring our prestigious and iconic celebration to The Met and set a new beacon of excitement on the South African calendar.”
Investec has also come on board as a secondary sponsor.
Chairperson of Kenilworth racing Chris van Niekerk said the new sponsors made him excited for the future of horseracing.
Cape Argus