With 2022 and 2023 Berlin November “Wafa-Wafa” winner Konakelephi retired by renowned horse owner Lopez Magongo, it leaves the 2024 title at the 11th edition of the Berlin November traditional horse race vacant.
That has opened the door for various candidates across SA to engrave their names in the list of winners of the biggest horse race on the Eastern Cape calendar.
In a carbon copy of the 2022 final, in wet, muddy conditions, the horse from Ndevana, saddled and rallied by jockey Sandile Xoza, again crossed the finish line in commanding fashion, surpassing Jonas Mokoena’s Loadshedding which was deemed the favourite by the majority of onlookers in 2023.
Those heroics were the last the horse would be remembered for, as Magongo immediately relinquished its participation for 2024 stating that he wanted to give his other horses a go.
“It was not an easy decision to retire Konakelephi because he is in good condition, but I have other horses that are coming through that we want to test out in the future of the Berlin November.
“I feel it is perfect timing to retire him on a high note because the horse lived up to its expectations in the past few years,” he said at the time.
With the race just 22 days away, he has kept his word and will give his new equine Maxhoba ayakhawuleza, Big Show, Molokazana and Siyazalana a taste at the race which will see 110 horses in 10 racing categories including the Celebrity Race.
Eastern Cape celebrities, gospel stars Betusile Mcinga, Lindo Mtangayi and Ziyanda Tshangana, social media stars Live Mabeqa and Bonginkosi Tatemntwini, affectionately known as Mntwan’ omgquba, radio broadcaster Mafa Bavuma, social media influencer and entrepreneur Yolanda Mbolompo-Zaula and DJ Nhunhuza Komanisi will be put in a team with a horse, trainer and jockey for the final race of the day.
“The race is very open for this year. I feel there are no favourites, there will be horses from different provinces coming as usual so the competition will be tight,” Magongo, who doubles up as the racing manager for the Berlin November, said.
The founder and organiser of the Berlin November, Luthando Bara, explained the concept of the celebrity race, saying they wanted to promote the race and the best way was to bring in celebrities to participate.
“We want to promote interest in horse racing. Our experience over the years has been that people go to the event for hospitality and never really watch the race.
“It is like we are having two worlds in one.
“We are trying to promote the race, and we thought the best way is to bring in celebrities to participate,” he said.
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