Sadhya Naidu, a renowned horse owner and respected figure in both the public and private sectors, has been appointed non-executive chairman of the Race Coast boards in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Previously, Naidu served as non-executive director of Gold Circle, the former racing operator. He played a key role in the transition to Race Coast following Hollywoodbets' acquisition of Gold Circle.
Race Coast
Race Coast was launched in May 2025 through the merger of Gold Circle's operations in KwaZulu-Natal with Cape Racing in the Western Cape, resulting in a new coastal racing operator under the Hollywoodbets umbrella.
As part of efforts to streamline operations across the two racing regions, Race Coast has aligned the structure and composition of its boards in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Naidu possesses extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He previously headed Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), and participated in various government structures. His work has focused on job creation, business development, and management.
His private business interests include tourism and hospitality, real estate, and skills development, covering KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape.
Comments on the Appointment
Basil Thomas, speaking on behalf of the Hollywood Group, congratulated Naidu on his appointment. He noted that Sadhya Naidu's institutional knowledge is invaluable, given his involvement in the transition from Gold Circle and its associated club structure to Race Coast. During Hollywood's acquisition of Gold Circle, he was invited to remain on the Race Coast Board in KwaZulu-Natal. With Greg Bortz's recent retirement, it was entirely logical for Mr. Naidu to take up the chairmanship of both Race Coast companies.
The new Race Coast board members in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal include: Sadhya Naidu – Non-Executive Chairman; Zandile Maseko – Non-Executive; Surren Rampersad; Morgan Shandu; Dean Savarjit; Kaamila Finch.