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Charity Mile Champion

Last year I was a part of the Peermont Emperors Charity Mile and when I was asked to return for another year, I was thrilled.

Last week a draw was done. 16 horses were paired with 16 celebrities and 16 charities. Each charity receives a cheque for no less that R20 000. It just depends on how much the cheque is, based on where the horses place.

The winner receives a R100 000 cheque for the charity associated to that horse.

I was teamed with Mu Jaarib and the Animal Anti-Cruelty League.

It turned into a beautiful day on Saturday at the Turffontein Racecourse.

Sunglasses from Sunglass Hut

I was telling everyone that Mu Jaarib was going to win and not just as fun “smack talk” to all the others, I could just feel it. I can’t explain it.

Mrs South Africa 2011, Lynné de Jager, radio presenter, Bailey Schneider, former Miss South Africa, Nicole Flint and Mrs SA 2012 finalist, Juanita Mitchell.(Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)

We had a few photo shoots for the press and then were taken to the outside area where they had set up a row of tables for the celebs to sign autographs and then went through to the arena to watch out horses race.

Dan Nicholl and I

Gerry Rantseli-Elsdon made me laugh all the time

Radio personality, Bailey Schneider, Mrs South Africa 2011, Lynné de Jager, Mrs SA 2012 finalist, Juanita Mitchell and entertainer, Amor Vittone with jockey, Marco van Rensburg in the parade ring before the start of the Charity Mile.(Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)

I had this bubble of excitement inside and while everyone was saying their horse was going to win and that my horse had no chance, I just kept smiling. Knowing.

I can’t explain it.

The Andrews, Dan Nicholl and Mark Pilgrim (Always fantastic seeing Baldy 🙂

Mu Jaarib

I’m realising that I could win this… Neil Andrews and Carol Tshabalala looking on concerned…

(Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)

The race was so close that I hadn’t seen who had won exactly, so when Neil Andrews turned to me, grasped my arm and shook me excitedly tell me: “Bailey you won! Your horse won!”

I gasped at him, “What!!??”

Waited the split second for the confirmation and then just started screaming in celebration!! I was so excited for the Animal Anti-Cruelty League – the true winners of the day!

Dan Nicholl, Bailey Schneider and Neil Andrews

(Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)

(Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)
(Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)

I was ushered away to be interviewed and then got such a surprise. I got to meet Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. I was so taken aback that I wasn’t sure what I should do. I had this weird urge to curtsey, but I didn’t. We shook hands and kissed each others cheeks. She was lovely and commented that the wind wasn’t helping our hair for the photo shoot. After the paparazzi for the princess had finished (it must be crazy to experience that every.single.day. Insane!) Her security immediately stood in front of all the cameras to shield her from any more photos taken.

It was a crazy minute of my life.

Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco.(Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)
Pictured here at the cheque presentation ceremony is Mike de Kock’s wife, Diane, the celebrity who publically represented the horse, radio personality, Bailey Schneider, charity representative, Miriam Bezuidenhout, Peermont Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Puttergill and Peermont Chief Operating Officer: Gaming, Bob Yearham (back). (Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)
The Celebs

(Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)

Mike and Diane de Kock came to me afterwards and gave me the trophy they were presented with. Diane simply said: “Mike and I really want you to have this!” THRILLED!

Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for having me again. It was an honour!

Photobucket

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