After winning its race, a horse from Ndevana village, east of King William’s Town, etched its name in horse racing history. Konakelephi made history by winning R50,000 after finishing first in the Ngumbela Horse Racing last Sunday in Bhomela, Dutywa.
Despite the fact that Mr Ngumbela died last year, the race was well-attended.
Apart from horse lovers, horse owners, and jockeys, the event was attended by Mbhashe Municipality Mayor, Samkelo Janda, Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, sports department officials, and members of the Ngumbela family.
Lopez and his jockey, Sandile Xoza, were beaming with delight after the horse won R50,000.
“I am overjoyed. I knew that Konakelephi would win because he is a great sprinter,” said Lopez, adding that he will go to Berlin November with no worries.
Last Sunday, Lopez Magongo’s Konakelephi outran Eastern Cape horses such as Phumilanga, Kumkani, Gobasithethe, Sihamba Ngolayini, Sanithayiza, and many others.
After awarding prizes to all the winners, the Premier officially opened Eastern Cape’s first horse racing arena, which Ngumbela founded in 2016 after being impressed by a horse named Andazi from Dutywa who ran very fast.
Ngumbela was a businessman who helped people and was dedicated to the development of sports in Eastern Cape villages.
The Premier has promised that the government will expand the Ngumbela Horse Racing, which takes place once a year in October.
According to Simphiwe Tsipa, Chairman of Ngumbela Legacy, the money spent on stadium construction is significant.
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