Zebaldt Ngaruka
The seventh edition of the FNB July Handicap will take place at Okondjatu’s Okahatjipara turf tomorrow with the country’s top racehorses set to participate.
The popular horse racing competition worth N$ 300 000 has attracted close to 90 horses which will battle in 17 sprints at Okahatjipara turf.
Timo Mujeu from the Professor Supporters Club (PSC) said the event has become big, and the number of horses and fans keeps growing.
“This is good for the growth of horse racing sports in Namibia. Everyone at our competition is the winner including spectators as they are welcome to exhibit or sell at our event to make a difference in their lives,” said Mujeu.
Mujeu who is also one of the organising committee members said the 2 400 metres (m) distance run will be the main race for both Thoroughbred and Nambreds horses.
Imperial Ruby from Okahandja Racing (OR) and Aminuis Racing’s (AR) Lady Diamond are the current holders of the FNB July Handicap after they emerged victors last year in the Thoroughbred and Nambreds categories respectively.
“We have put aside an amount of N$60 000 for the Thoroughbred race called Import Open which will be shared amongst six winning horses. The Nambred horses will vie for N$30 000 in their category and four winning horses will be paid,” explained Mujeu.
A tough battle is expected in the main race of thoroughbred horses where like, Starlile, Action Time, Woodland Ridge, Visigoth, Earl of Cardigan, Chief Helmet, Vang en Los, Queen Brittania, and Prince Resano will feature.
Lady Diamond will face fierce competition from Sunny Side, Bin Laden, Mboma, and Waterloo in the main race of the local horses, the race it won last year.
The organisers also added that many clubs have reinforced their clubs by increasing their number of horses which is a commendable gesture and good for healthy competition.
However, Mujeu confirmed to this publication that Imperial Ruby will not feature in this year’s prestigious event due to injuries.
Asked whether there are special awards for jockeys, the organiser said there are no accolades for them, but 10% is automatically deductible from the winning horses to the jockeys.
“We do not interfere in the contract between the employer and the jockeys, but we made sure that 10 %of the winning bonus goes to the horse riders,” he explained.
Amongst the dignitaries, Otjozondjupa Governor James Uezikua will be joined by the former Inspector General of the Namibian Police and the current Governor of the Ohangwena region Sebastian Ndeitunga and Omaheke regions Governor Pijoo Nganate respectively.
On Friday, there will be performances from Moonlight music production which is composed of various Oviritje artists under the leadership of Abel Kandjii.
“Also, we will have a live DJ performance on the turf on Saturday to keep our crowd on their toes,” added Mujeu.
The first race will start at 10H00. -zngaruka@yahoo.com