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On any other day there would be soothing desert tranquility reigning supreme in Bray, a small farming dorpie on the borderline of Botswana, more than 200km west of Vryburg in the North West. With the exception of just one winter weekend every year, it gets really busy.
This year the dorpie hosted the 20th Annual Bray July – a local calendar event themed the “The Kalahari Experience” – where local amateur jockeys locked horns with their counterparts from neighbouring provinces like the Free State and the Northern Cape.
This year’s event also attracted a few thousand people who descended on the usually sleepy town, turning it into a memorable weekend for equestrian enthusiasts, locals and visitors.
Some refer to the weekend event as the biggest “bush race” in the country. The bush description fits very well because once the action begins, the dust never stops and this is the unique part of the whole adventure.
In the backdrop of what appear to be dead or deciduous acacia trees dotting the flat and parched Savannah grassland terrain, this area is only just recovering from a heavy drought.
It is nothing close to the glitz and glamour of the Durban July. There is no red carpet at the Bray July and no need to consult a designer for striking outfits because here the best dressed person will probably be that farmer in khakis and boots – perfect clothing if aiming to resist the dust.
The Jockey
What matters here for jockeys are their horses’ power. One of them is 15-year-old Lesego Foromane who did not attract much attention as the start of race day.
His shiny black jockey boots were worn-out with his big toes almost protruding from his black sock through holes on both sides.
His white breeches looked no better and in desperate need of stitches in a number of places but his bright pink silks with green stars complemented by a similar designed helmet-cover made him a regular jockey.
When the race was done and the dust settled, he found himself raised up in the air for being the final winner.
He oozed confidence as he spoke to a television news crew earlier before the racing began. “I am here to collect the main prize ... we’re well prepared and we’re here for it,” he declared.
The race is endorsed by professional horse racing regulator, Phumelela. As a result, there is formal betting at Bray July but others prefer side bets. Whichever way you chose to gamble, this is part of the day’s hype.
The Race
On the 10th and main race of the day late on Saturday afternoon, the young Foromane led his horse “Promedis” to the starting line where he joined other jockeys behind the steel gates. He pulled his jockey goggles over his eyes underneath his helmet, held on tight to the reins with his crop or whip in his hand and waited anxiously for the signal to kick into action.
Once the starter was satisfied that the horses were well-positioned, the gates were flung open for horses to bolt out. The thundering noise never stopped amid an unending trail of dust churned from the red-brownish sandy racetrack.
The excitement and noise from the crowd got louder as the horses galloped down a bend inching closer to the finish post. Foromane’s pink silks and helmet became clearer and more visible. The youngster maintained his leading position and in seconds, Promedis passed the finishing post becoming the new Bray July champion.
The Champion
In celebration – with one hand still firmly grasping the bridle – he threw his crop into the air symbolising a job excellently done.
When he returned to collect his prize still on the back of his horse, Foromane was now surrounded by well-wishers, and probably those who put their money on him.
He was paraded on the back of his horse.
He spoke softly in a voice completely opposite to that of the fierce display of a skilled rider seen earlier on the track; but after all, he is only a child.
“I was well-prepared and I knew I was going to grab it today. I am very happy,” he said shyly as he left it to his father, Thys Foromane, and owner of the champion horse, to address the media.
“Lesego started riding at age 10 and came second on his first Bray July last year. We missed it last year and we made it on his second race here,” Foromane senior said. The winning team took home R80 000.
Melting pot of equestrian enthusiasm
Bray July started as a small event where local farming families and farm workers raced against each other, and evolved in what is today described as a melting pot of where equestrian enthusiasm meets culture and adventure.
Bray may not have much to meet everybody’s expectations, but organisers said tourists loved the event because it enhanced natural attractions found in the Kalahari like camping, hunting, game drives, wine tasting, and ox braaiing.
Although it had only one filling station, very limited lodges, a general dealer among several other smaller stores and no five star treatments, many enthusiasts aptly described the event as an “adventure”.
