Zebaldt Ngaruka
GOBABIS – Rehoboth Turf Club’s (RTC) chairperson Marthinus de Waal says the lack of sponsorship for horse-racing events will hamper the growth of the sport in the country.
This follows the recent horse- racing competition, called Africa Day Cup, held in Rehoboth by RTC over the weekend, in which 60 horses participated in an unsponsored event.
De Waal said their racing club approached several companies and financial institutions well in advance, but nobody wanted to assist them.
“We even gave a letter to First National Bank, but it was declined,” the chairman said.
However, the club managed to have their event by putting down N$80 000.
Nambred and Thoroughbred horses managed to compete in four and six sprints, respectively.
“Imagine, this event was aimed at commemorating Africa Day, but there were no trophies and medals for winning horses.
“We love this sport. We want it to grow, but we cannot do this without sponsorship. It’s difficult, but we will try to promote the sport, despite all odds,” he said.
This is not the only racing competition that went ahead without sponsorship.
Recently, the Otjinene May Derby, under the auspices of Otjinene Supporters Club (OSC), went ahead after the initial sponsor, Standard Bank, withdrew at the last minute.
OSC managed to put together N$120 000 at the last minute as the event preparations were already underway, and could not be cancelled.
Earl of Cardigan was crowned the champion of Africa Day in the A Division 2 000 metres, which was the main race for thoroughbred horses.
The top horse was followed by its fellow club horse Chief Helmet, and Aminuis Racing’s Blonde Act, in second and third places, respectively.
LA Luvia from Angermund Racing (AR) settled for fourth position in the highly-contested race, comprising 13 Namibian top seasonal horses, leaving behind popular horses like Starlile, Able Surprise, Visigoth and Mr F.
Meanwhile, in the 1 800m distance, Flowing River from AR emerged victorious, followed by Balabala Stables’ Talk to Me in second place, while Boma from Harambee Racing claimed third position in the Nambred main race. -zngaruka@yahoo.com