Secret Boy from Qwaqwa took first place in the MTN wafa wafa thoroughbred 1400 race finale at the Berlin November race in Berlin over the weekend.
The well-built stallion stunned more than 10 thousand spectators when he outran the dominant likes of Andazi, the defending champion after winning last year’s competition, as well as his (Andazi’s) sibling Asinamali.
Asinamali also made waves in the former Transkei racing fraternity, when he outran Andazi at the Ngubmbela July earlier this year in Dutywa.
Secret Boy’s delighted owner and trainer, Mokoena Jonas said preparing for the race had been a challenge.
“It was very hard because we had to train them for travelling as well,” Jonas said.
“I also had another horse of mine in the race, Tunutunu, and he tried and he came third, so I’m very happy to have come here today,” Jonas said.
Andazi’s owner and trainer, Nkunzi Atwel Ntantala said he was not disappointed that he did not take home the wafa wafa thoroughbred title this year because his horses had made him proud so many times.
“These horses have done so much for me and I love them with all my heart and I think that’s why they always do their best.
“It’s always hard for us preparing for races because we don’t have doctors in the former Transkei, we have to do things on our own.
“Especially feeding these types of horses is difficult because they are sensitive, so I have no choice but to treat them like children. They have to stay in a warm place and have their own special diet,” he said.
Ntantala said the Berlin November was a good way to end off a good year of competing and that he would be back for next year’s race.
“This race is great because you get to compete with tough competition and that’s when you can really say I did something.
“Last year, I slaughtered a cow and six sheep and four pigs just to celebrate my horses’ successes with the community that supports us in everything we do as Andazi and Asinamali’s family,” he said.
Although the event was a success, there were a few hick-ups and some dissatisfaction from other horse owners such as Dumisani Simo of Port Shepstone, in Ezingolweni, who won in the indigenous horses competition. Simo claimed he had been unfairly disqualified after he won.
“In the third race we took number one and qualified for the finals and we won again,” Simo said.
“But now when we have to get paid we can’t get any money because the other horse owners are saying we are from another province so we didn’t qualify.”
Simo said the poor sportsmanship from his counterparts was unfortunate, considering that the successful event had been so well-organised.
“I prepared these horses and fed them, I also paid for accommodation for my jockeys which is expensive and I get to lose like this.
“I spent R2500 and travelled more than 400km coming here and I don’t think I’ll return any time soon unless things change,” Simo said.
Secret to his victory
The well-built stallion stunned more than 10 thousand spectators when he outran the dominant likes of Andazi, the defending champion after winning last year’s competition, as well as his (Andazi’s) sibling Asinamali.
Asinamali also made waves in the former Transkei racing fraternity, when he outran Andazi at the Ngubmbela July earlier this year in Dutywa.
Secret Boy’s delighted owner and trainer, Mokoena Jonas said preparing for the race had been a challenge.
“It was very hard because we had to train them for travelling as well,” Jonas said.
“I also had another horse of mine in the race, Tunutunu, and he tried and he came third, so I’m very happy to have come here today,” Jonas said.
Andazi’s owner and trainer, Nkunzi Atwel Ntantala said he was not disappointed that he did not take home the wafa wafa thoroughbred title this year because his horses had made him proud so many times.
“These horses have done so much for me and I love them with all my heart and I think that’s why they always do their best.
“It’s always hard for us preparing for races because we don’t have doctors in the former Transkei, we have to do things on our own.
“Especially feeding these types of horses is difficult because they are sensitive, so I have no choice but to treat them like children. They have to stay in a warm place and have their own special diet,” he said.
Ntantala said the Berlin November was a good way to end off a good year of competing and that he would be back for next year’s race.
“This race is great because you get to compete with tough competition and that’s when you can really say I did something.
“Last year, I slaughtered a cow and six sheep and four pigs just to celebrate my horses’ successes with the community that supports us in everything we do as Andazi and Asinamali’s family,” he said.
Although the event was a success, there were a few hick-ups and some dissatisfaction from other horse owners such as Dumisani Simo of Port Shepstone, in Ezingolweni, who won in the indigenous horses competition. Simo claimed he had been unfairly disqualified after he won.
“In the third race we took number one and qualified for the finals and we won again,” Simo said.
“But now when we have to get paid we can’t get any money because the other horse owners are saying we are from another province so we didn’t qualify.”
Simo said the poor sportsmanship from his counterparts was unfortunate, considering that the successful event had been so well-organised.
“I prepared these horses and fed them, I also paid for accommodation for my jockeys which is expensive and I get to lose like this.
“I spent R2500 and travelled more than 400km coming here and I don’t think I’ll return any time soon unless things change,” Simo said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos