Tight competition in Harry Gwala Summer Cup 2017

The Harry Gwala Summer Cup 2017 that took place on Saturday, 18 November, was a huge success with tight competition between horses from participating districts providing exciting entertainment for thousands of fans in attendance. The race, which marked its 8th anniversary this year, was attended by thousands of rural horse riding enthusiasts who packed the Kilimun Race Course, eSidindini near Underberg in southern KwaZulu-Natal.

This year’s competition was highly intensive resulting in two Districts sharing the number one overall winner spot, with eThekwini Municipality and the hosts Harry Gwala District bagging eight points apiece. Ugu District followed with a hard-earned six points taking second place and Zululand taking the third place with five points.

Outdoor lovers, artists as well as fashionistas were thrilled to be part of such a beautiful event. Artists showcased their bead works, done by hand that exhibits artistry and individuality. The event also afforded aspiring fashion designers a platform to showcase their dazzling creations keeping up with emerging trends.

Horse owner, Mathenunu Sima from Ugu District Municipality, was excited that two of his horses took first place in Race 1 (Grade 6) and Race 2 (Grade 5). “I am very excited and honoured about today’s outcome. I take good care of my horses and also spend lots of time trying to scout and further train promising jockeys to get to the tournament well prepared,’’ he said.

Sima’s horse, Minister, won the Grade 6 race walking away with a R3000 prize while Bullet won the Grade 5 race with a prizemoney of R4000. Sima has been competing in the Harry Gwala Summer Cup since it was first established eight years ago and prides himself with the results. His horses have also participated in the Dundee July races.

MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Bongi Sithole-Moloi said the event was a huge success and praised the local community for a great turn out to support the races. She said the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation is supporting the development of similar races in all districts in the Province in order to promote rural horse riding.

“Besides horse riding contests, this particular event contributes to the local economy as people from this area are able to sell their products, including hand-made artworks and local designers got an opportunity to showcased their garments,” she added.

Meanwhile, the day belonged to jockey Lungani Gamede and his horse Computer from Umzinyathi District, after winning the main race of the day (Race 1), walking away with a R10 000 first prize. They beat rivals Inxakanxaka and Majayvane who came second and third respectively.

Full results are as follows: