Solid no nonsense policing, or a tad harsh? 4Kg-claimer Sifisokuhle ‘Ncale’ Bungane found himself on the receiving end of the Cape Stipes on Thursday when he was walloped with a 30 day suspension for failing to ride his mount out, and prejudicing his chances of obtaining second place.
Month on the sidelines – Sifiso Bungane may have misjudged the winning line (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The official report after the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth fourth race indicated that Bungane was found guilty in terms of Rule 62.2.3, in that he failed to ride his mount, the 50-1 Queen Regent, out to the end of the fourth race to the satisfaction of the Stipendiary Stewards, thereby prejudicing his chances of obtaining 2nd place.
He was accordingly suspended from riding in races for a period of thirty days from 18 June to 17 July, both days inclusive.
The race was won by Bungane’s mount’s overdue stablemate Clair De Lune, with Thingamabob shading Queen Regent by 0,20 lengths into third.
While jockeys are obviously required to ride their mounts out to the end of the race, and punters’ hard-earned cash is wagered on the outcome, the month holiday will be a tough lesson and serious setback for the young man who, unlike his colleague Brevan Plaatjies, has not yet broken through since the duo arrived at the new Cape SA Jockey Academy satellite in April.
Senior riders canvassed had mixed opinion, some feeling that the 30 days was a bit harsh for a greenhorn 4kg claimer.
Even jockeys who have been riding for 30 years can misjudge the winning line, which appears to have been Sifiso’s error. On the flipside, we are aware that he picked up a R1000 fine for a similar infringement recently, and maybe the Stipes want to make sure he doesn’t do it again.
Cape Academy buddies – Sifisokuhle ‘Ncale’ Bungane and Brev Plaatjies (Pic – Supplied)
Sifiso has ridden two winners to date, the first coming on Sunday 29 December 2024 at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, courtesy of the World Sports Betting owned Wings Of Josephine for the Glen Kotzen yard. Coincidentally, his second win came on the very same horse at the same venue on 2 April this year.
His back story is interesting. He grew up with bleak prospects in KwaMashu and Indanda, and while he harboured dreams of becoming a Cardiologist, he ended up working as a waiter at Hollywoodbets Greyville through his Chef Mom Phatheka, who worked at the Durban View Room.
Sifiso told the Sporting Post in an earlier interview that he was happy to be earning a living, but constantly had customers and his colleagues encouraging him to take advantage of his slight stature – he weighed only 50kgs.
The pursuit of his dreams was eventually realised through the support of the Hollywood Foundation. With his mother’s financial constraints, the foundation granted Sifiso a bursary for his first year of training, providing financial relief and making his dream a reality.
His nickname ‘Ncwane’ was given to him as a result of his love for gospel music.
