Zebaldt Ngaruka
The popular horse racing competition, the MTC Summer Cup, is set for Saturday in Okahandja.
Close to 100 racehorses have shown interest in the N$200 000 worth competition that will be staged at the Okahandja turf club in the Otjozondjupa region.
The event is organised by the Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA). Chantal Mouton, the NHRA spokesperson, said the event is one of the biggest in the country and expects a huge turnout since the horses rested for long.
“We always have high turnout in Okahandja, and we are prepared for the task ahead of us. It will be exciting, as this is one of the most loved sports in the country,” she said. According to the preliminary race programme, the horses will compete in 19 sprints, with the 2 000 meters (m) distance classified as the main race for both Nambred and thoroughbred horses.
Mouton said there are high expectations for the Nambred main race, which Boma of Harambee Racing Club recently dominated.
“This is good for competition as seasonal horses like Lady Diamond from Aminuis Racing club are expected to shine after injury setbacks,” she said. Boma will also be facing another challenge, as horses like Resolution 435, Life Is Good, Bokkie, Soldier Boy, and Destiny are notable strong contenders in the race.
“This will be a tough battle, and horse owners and fanatics are going to enjoy quality races. One can see a healthy competition, which is what we want for the development of horse racing in Namibia,” she said.
About nine top horses will battle it out in the thoroughbred primary race, 2 000m, where horses such as Wisper, Crystal Maiden land, Pee Jay showed class in recent competitions.
However, one can not write off seasonal
horses like Visigoth of Aminuis Racing, Equerry, and Chief Helmet, all from Otjinene Racing.
“These horses are experienced, and they can write a history at any event. We also expect a good race as Sitting Bull, Desert Fox and Blond Act are in the mix to shine for their respective clubs,” said Mouton.
Another competitive race will be the 1 400m Open sprint for imported horses, where the likes of Unbroken Promises, Visigoth, Acon Time, Woodland Ridge, Earl of Cardigan, Chief Helmet and Power Surge will feature.
Despite trophies and medals, the winning horses will take home various cash prizes.
The young upcoming horses are also ready to battle in the Nambred Juvenile category where seven horses will compete in 1 000m.
Also, about eleven imported graduation horses will compete in the third race of the competition, where the likes of Mr Aminuis, Time Master, Miraculous Man, Isiphekepheke, Gitano’s Jet, World in Unison, and Wondering Star, among others, will be rubbing shoulders for top honours. The prestigious event is expected to start at 09h00. An amount of N$50 will be charged at the gate for adults, while children will pay N$20 to enter, and VIP will fork out N$100.