Dundee July king ‘gallops’ to victory

MTSHALI SURVIVES CLAIM THAT HE CHEATED

THE winner of the Dundee July was nearly disqualified following a complaint about a galloping horse.

The second-placed rider, Bheki Kunene, complained to the judges and alleged that Plaza Mtshali, the winner, had broken the rules of the race by letting his horse, Isigwebo Sentambo, gallop excessively.

“I am not surprised by complaints by Kunene because he has grudges against me since I have beaten him in eight races in a row,” Mtshali told Sowetan.

He revealed that before the race began, Kunene had sworn to defeat him.

The horses were about 20m apart when they crossed the line. Kunene dropped from his horse and went straight to the judges to tell them that Mtshali’s horse had apparently galloped three times in front of him.

According to race rules, a horse is prohibited from galloping more than three times. If this is proven, the horse must be disqualified.

Kunene said the decision to crown Mtshali was unfair.

“My complaints were clear and I believe the judges didn’t do their job properly. I have no choice but to accept defeat.”

There was shouting and screams from more than 16 000 patrons as they called on judges to announce Mtshali as winner of the big day.

After 45 minutes of reviewing their decision, the judges overruled the complaint.

“Kunene must accept defeat and look forward to next year’s race for revenge,” race organiser Mike Mthembu said. Mtshali walked away with R40 000.