It Belongs To Everyone: The Black Kenyans Dispelling Perceptions Of Horse Racing

The sport, a popular pastime of the white elite during the colonial period, has struggled in recent years, but its fortunes may be changing The spectators on the grandstand at Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi jumped to their feet as the horses competing in the fifth race of the Day of Champions the last meeting of the season came around the final corner on a recent Sunday afternoon. Bedford! Bedford! Bedford, some roared, punching the air as the horse, jockeyed by Michael Fundi, broke into a gallop on the home stretch, passed the leader, and stormed to victory. Fundi, who had started the day on top of the jockey standings, was crowned the seasons champion after the last race. At 20, he was the youngest in a decade. Above: Michael Fundi with Bedford after winning the 2400m Jockey Club Stakes George Drew Challenge Series.