KEETMANSHOOP – Racing horse owners from the two southern regions gathered last weekend at Aues, situated in Klein Valgras in // Kharas region for the annual Valgraas winter horse racing derby, competing in the 30-kilometre endurance race as well as other track races. 

According to Vaalgras Turf Club chairperson, Jegg Christiaan the annual event became the highlight for socialising since 2011. 

“The event is being held to showcase the livestock farming heritage of the Vaalgras traditional community and surrounding rural communities, “ he said during the event. According to Christiaan, 18 entries were received for the endurance race with more than 40 horse owners competing in the track races. 

Ouboet Alberts, owner of horse named Xhosa, emerged victorious in the marathon race, scooping a whopping N$10 000 cash prize with Arnold Losper and his horse, Tjaptice coming second for a prize money of N$5 000 while Vait and Loss, owned by Paul Meintjies came home in third place to claim a N$3 500 prize. 

Meanwhile in the Imports 1000-metre race, Meintjies took the honours again with Whisper, followed by Grecia, owned by Johannes Motinga in second and Jegg Christiaan’s horse, Emotion coming home in third place. In the main race, the Imports 1800m dash, Whisper became victorious again while Emotion took second place with Grecia third. 

The event received fully support from the Vaslgras Traditional Authority and Berseba constituency office with finances mainly solicited by volunteers from the community, HFJ Plant Hire and Livestock Runners Keetmanshoop. 

Chairperson Christiaan thanked all the horse owners and sponsors for making the day a sounding success.