Transkei Bush Racing

Found this old pic of bush racing in the Transkei - taken about 1970 in a place called Qumbu (37 miles from Umtata on the national road towards Durban) The bush meets used to take place fairly regularly - I was brought up there and whilst riding out on my trusty old 50 cc Suzuki in the veld I came across a youngster on a young filly - certainly under two years old (the filly that is) and definitely had thoroughbred blood in her - when I questioned the youngster he mentioned that she was being prepared for a bush meet so I challenged him to about a 400 sprint which the Suzuki duly won. Every day thereafter for the rest of the school holidays I would meet up with the youngster and do some pace work with him - he on his horse and me on the Suzuki. Anyway - attended the bush meet the last Saturday of the school holidays and the filly duly won easing up. The locals would bet among themselves and then party up a storm thereafter. Not a white face to be seen there except for me taking the photograph. The ground was normal veld and harder than concrete.

Thanks Colin, reduced the size a wee bit...

cool stuff colins

and no nha to f*^&%$p the results><

Thanks Hibs - that was the official photo finish - even in colour in those days!!!

Stunning photo - thanks Colins

Seemingly more people/spectators go bush racing in South Africa than do the regulated stuff? no wonder the racing community never mention it

wonder if in the right hands BUSH racing could end up turning over more revenue than the "pro" racing can?