The Dutywa horse racing course was enthusiastically welcomed by jockeys, horse owners, and horse fans. That joy was amplified for Nkunzi Ntantala of Tyekelebende in Nqabarha because Andazi, the horse who came with the development, is no longer alive.
Ntantala told this newspaper last weekend, during the opening of the horse racing course by Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane.
This course in Bhomela village was built in 2016 by the late Mthetheleli Ngumbela.
He did so after being inspired by Andazi, who was competing in the annual Berlin November race. Unfortunately, Ngumbela died in a car accident last year, and he never got to officially open the horse racing course that he is said to have spent more than R2 million on.
“Today is a big day. We are in Bhomela because Ngumbela recognised us as horse lovers, he knew my horse, Andazi. It is pleasant here. I do not know what to say because I am overjoyed,” said Ntantala.
Things did not go well for him in horse racing after his horse died. But, he claims, it will not be long before a horse replaces Andazi, who once ruled the entire Eastern Cape.
“I will bring another Andazi to silence everyone. I was unable to bring a horse to Ngumbela Horse Racing today. This tournament makes a significant difference.
“Ngumbela told us that we should never go too long without horse racing. There is no other place in the Eastern Cape as lovely as the one Ngumbela created for us. This is our first time to a place like this,” said Ntantala.
Ubomi ejele kutata owadlwengula unyana wakhe ona-8