Phase one of the highly anticipated Berlin November is expected to kick-off in style tomorrow at noon.
Umkhwelo, which is one of the 12 races lined up for the Berlin November horse-racing extravaganza, will be held at Ephewuleni location next to Dimbaza.
Umkhwelo refers to long-distance endurance horse-races – (from the verb khwela meaning ‘to ride or climb on’). Umkhwelo (or long race) is a form of endurance racing over a distance of between 5.5 and 7km.
With a field of 16, the 7km Stayers race is part of the Berlin November raceday card but takes place a week earlier than the main event as the track in Berlin is not long enough.
“Umkhwelo represents one of the most unique components about traditional horse-racing,” said race chairman and founder Luthando Bara.
“It will also help to build up the hype going into the big one next week.”
Last year’s champion Mhlasahlangana, who is owned by Lizwilenkosi Teyise, is back in the fold to defend his crown.
But he will face stiff competition from the likes of Ndilaphankosi (eighth last year), Thula (second in 2014) and Mcengeni, who came in at number 10 in the previous edition.
Umkhwelo jockeys and their mounts will fight for a share of the R310000 prize-money on offer for the Berlin November, to be presented to winners next Saturday.
While interest in these types of races is usually low as they are designed to attract horses with stamina, this year has seen an unusually big field epitomising the growth of Berlin November.
Animal welfare personnel are expected to be on hand.
Umkhwelo, traditionally, is only raced between September and May as horses do not perform well in cold weather.
“This form of racing was prevalent in the villages situated in the Amathole District and as a result most of the horses taking part in Umkhwelo come from this area,” said Bara.
Jockeys in Umphalo (sprints) and Umkhwelo races are usually young or lightweight boys, seldom over the age of 16 years.
The remaining 11 races on the Berlin November card will race next Saturday, November 28 from 10am.
After the horse-racing the music festival, featuring 24 top artists, local and national, will start.
Performers include multi-award winning hip-hop artist Khuli Chana, house music heavywights such as drum boss Heavy K, DJ Vetkoek and Mahoota, Cashtime duo Maggz & Moozlie and the stylish hip-hop group WTF (Witness The Funk) known for their hit, Nomusa.
There will also be a fashion show as well as a dedicated craft hub where locals can sell their wares.