Zebaldt Ngaruka

All roads lead to the Omaheke region this weekend as the highly anticipated Horse Racing Independence Cup takes place at the Gobabis racetrack tomorrow.

The event, organised under the auspices of the Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA), forms part of activities celebrating Namibia’s 36th Independence anniversary.

NHRA spokesperson Chantal Mouton said excitement is building ahead of the event, with strong interest from horse racing clubs across the country. 

More than 50 horses have already been registered for the competition.

“This is the first official race competition of the year. We expect a strong turnout from spectators. The horses have rested for a long time, and racing enthusiasts are eager to see them back on the track. Gobabis will be the place to be this weekend,” she said.

Mouton added that some clubs have already arrived in Gobabis to allow their horses time to acclimatise ahead of the race. 

She said the enthusiasm among teams and supporters has created a vibrant atmosphere in the town.

During the event, horses will compete in 17 race plates, with the main sprint races covering a distance of 2 000 metres for both Nambred and Thoroughbred horses.

A total prize purse of N$120 000, together with trophies and medals, will be shared among the winning horses in their respective categories.

Entrance fees for the event will be N$50 for adults and N$20 for children. 

Vehicles entering the venue will be charged N$10. 

-zngaruka@yahoo.com