INANDA – A drag hunt and horse vs car race entertain guests at polo tournament.
This year’s Cell C Inanda Africa Cup had all the polo a fan could ask for, as well as some surprises.
While the continent’s best players of the sport saddled up their horses at Inanda Club on 16 June, the Rand Hunt Club conducted a drag hunt demonstration.
First, a rider dragged a cloth bearing the scent of jackal faeces on a route around the field. When the hounds were let loose five minutes later they worked as a team, using their ‘cry’ to communicate with each other and follow the scent accurately from start to finish, to the applause of all in attendance.
Polo players entertain at Inanda Club. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
After this, a horse versus machine race was held. Polo manager at the club, Craig James raced on one of his fastest horses against drivers of a BMW Z4 across the length of the field.
Craig James and his horse celebrate winning a race against a car. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
While the horse got off to a quick start, the car caught up and it was deemed a tie when they reached the finish line.
So the horse and car turned around and raced the length of the field again, but this time the horse was warmed up and, with the car perhaps struggling for grip on the grass in the beginning again, the horse gained such a lead it could not be caught, and won easily.
Craig James on his horse narrowly crosses the finish line ahead of the car during the horse versus machine race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
It was then time for the polo. The theme for the event was #ArtandAfricanSpirit and many spectators dressed accordingly. As they sat back with a glass of something tasty, they watched players from across Africa give their all for glory.
Titan Law Zimbabwe won the overall tournament.
“This prestigious annual event on the polo calendar will see some great polo from the continent’s most exceptional polo players as well as development players,” said Inanda Club general manager, Paul Oosthuizen, in his welcome address.
Craig James on his horse and the BMW Z4 were neck and neck in their first race. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Vinoliah Sibinda and Jencey Foje dress to the theme #ArtandAfrocanSpirit. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Peta and Peter Eggierth-Symes enjoy the polo. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
“Over the years, together with associations with numerous sponsors and partners, we have grown this polo tournament extensively and we envisage an even greater growth margin in size and visibility with our new partnership with Cell C.”
Penny Lebyane dresses up for the event. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
Boitumelo Rametsi dresses up for the event. Photo: Nicholas Zaal
P7 PKgomotso Mdluli and Takula Sibanda dress according to theme #ArtandAfricanSpirit. Photo: Nicholas Zaal