Horse racing fanatics were out in their numbers to support the Berlin November event just outside King William’s Town today.
The event also attracted local socialites, politicians and business leaders.
Speaking to the DispatchLive this afternoon, businessman and philanthropist Mthetheleli Ngumbela praised locals for attending in large numbers.
“We started this in Dutywa and we can see that people love the sport. This is what we grew up participating in and now our kids will get to continue with it.”
An elated Ngumbela said: “Millions are spent on these events. These are the kinds of events that government should be spending money on because it brings together everyone from old to young as you can see here.”
Ngumbela said, as had been the case in Dutywa, winners will be paid their prize money immediately.
Businessman Ntabenkosi Ndongeni said they were teaming up with local jockeys throughout the Eastern Cape in order to promote the sport in rural areas.
“We are already planning a race in Dutywa on Christmas Day. Horse racing has always been a sport for rural people and we are happy to see it is growing.”
Ndongeni said they currently have some of their young jockeys from Dutywa at an equestrian academy in Cape Town. “Those young people will come back in January and teach many others in our area about horse racing.”
Jockey Luyolo Sikisashe,15, from King William’s Town won the 800m indigenous race. “I just had to win. I trusted my horse before coming here and we achieved just what I wanted. A herder introduced me to horse riding four years ago and I doubt I will ever stop participating in this.”
Local hawker Nomvula Gegeza said the event was a huge boost for small businesses. “ I usually sell my items along Mdantsane Highway but I knew a lot of people would be coming here today and I took the opportunity. Business has been very good.”
Socialite Noluthando Tshali said events of this nature would put East London on the map. “We are here to have fun and enjoy being with people who are passionate about horses. We can’t just get to hear about these events happening in other areas, we can also have our own great events here.”
The event continues into the night (Saturday) with local artists and dance crews providing the entertainment.
Berlin November hits the jackpot
The event also attracted local socialites, politicians and business leaders.
Speaking to the DispatchLive this afternoon, businessman and philanthropist Mthetheleli Ngumbela praised locals for attending in large numbers.
“We started this in Dutywa and we can see that people love the sport. This is what we grew up participating in and now our kids will get to continue with it.”
An elated Ngumbela said: “Millions are spent on these events. These are the kinds of events that government should be spending money on because it brings together everyone from old to young as you can see here.”
Ngumbela said, as had been the case in Dutywa, winners will be paid their prize money immediately.
Businessman Ntabenkosi Ndongeni said they were teaming up with local jockeys throughout the Eastern Cape in order to promote the sport in rural areas.
“We are already planning a race in Dutywa on Christmas Day. Horse racing has always been a sport for rural people and we are happy to see it is growing.”
Ndongeni said they currently have some of their young jockeys from Dutywa at an equestrian academy in Cape Town. “Those young people will come back in January and teach many others in our area about horse racing.”
Jockey Luyolo Sikisashe,15, from King William’s Town won the 800m indigenous race. “I just had to win. I trusted my horse before coming here and we achieved just what I wanted. A herder introduced me to horse riding four years ago and I doubt I will ever stop participating in this.”
Local hawker Nomvula Gegeza said the event was a huge boost for small businesses. “ I usually sell my items along Mdantsane Highway but I knew a lot of people would be coming here today and I took the opportunity. Business has been very good.”
Socialite Noluthando Tshali said events of this nature would put East London on the map. “We are here to have fun and enjoy being with people who are passionate about horses. We can’t just get to hear about these events happening in other areas, we can also have our own great events here.”
The event continues into the night (Saturday) with local artists and dance crews providing the entertainment.
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