Lyle Hewitson partners the Carl and Amanda de Vos-bred first timer Shampompo Shampizi for the Alyson Wright Racing Team in the third race at Hollywoodbets Greyville today.
Raced by the Hollywood Syndicate, the yard have described him as a horse that has shown ability at home. The 1000m may be a bit too quick for him today but they do expect him to be running on strongly.
Shampompo Shampizi pictured while being rested at a spelling farm
A Hollywood Syndicate spokesman explained that the Var gelding was named by the late Kaunda Ntunja, who was a well known rugby pundit and Xhosa rugby commentator.
He hosted the Phaka rugby show on SuperSport, which was proudly sponsored by Hollywoodbets, and laid the foundations for future Xhosa rugby commentators to make their mark in the broadcasting game.
Kaunda sadly passed away on 20 July 2020 at the age of 38.
Always smiling – Kaunda Ntunja
The name SHAMPOMPO SHAMPIZI stems from Kaunda’s commentary in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, when winger Makazole Mapimpi scored South Africa’s first ever try in a World Cup final.
His enigmatic commentary was trending for days around the world, with many reciting his words: “Liqhashu! yiBubbly, shampompo, shampizi! Izinto ezihlwahlwazayo!”
The sentence translates to “The cork is popping! Bubbly, champagne, sparkling wine! All things that sparkle!”
The English translation does not probably do it justice, but means that not only was it champagne rugby, but that the Springboks fans around the world could start popping the champagne for another Rugby World Cup victory.
Watch the video to hear his unforgettable commentary
Hollywoodbets is proud to be hosting honoured guests today for Shampompo Shampizi’s first run. These include the widow of Kaunda, Aviwe Ntunja, his fellow Xhosa rugby commentator and former Springbok Kaya Malotana, and former Springbok Odwa Ndungane and his wife Kgomotso.
They are looking forward to a promising run from Shampompo Shampizi and say they know that Kaunda will be looking down and watching.
Watch some work at Summerveld by Shampompo Shampizi:
R500 000 must be won today in the Hollywoodbets Punters’ Challenge – read more by clicking the image below:
