ONAMATANGA – The 5th edition of the annual Onamatanga horse racing championship attracted a record number of 34 entries with horse riders from Onamatanga and nearby villages providing excitement for the many spectators that flocked to the village to witness the spectacle at Helvy Mpingana Kondombolo horse racing track recently.
Riders competed in the 1000m, 1600m and 2000m sprints – leaving hordes rallying behind their heroes. Defending champion Omuputu gwaKandjala saddled by rider Jossua Akugulu failed to live up to expectations – failing to win a single heat.
Shaanika, with Fellep Shuuma on the back, had the crowd on their feet by hitting the ground running to claim victory in the 1000m,1600m and 2000m to be crowned best overall champion.
Rider David Shilongo on the back of Leli took 2nd place, with Kadaffi and Omuputu adrift in 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
“All riders are still at amateur level and are not exposed to professional horse riding,” said event coordinator John Shaanika after the race, adding that “at the moment riders do not have appropriate riding gear” – a scenario that compromises their safety. He thus urged the business community to come on board and financially assist the riders.
Shaanika said they are indebted to Kambwa Trading cc who have been the main sponsors of the event over the last 5 years to the tune of N$25 000.
Onamatanga is located 120km west of Okahao. The gathering was graced by the King of Ongandjera Traditional Authority, Nkeyama Johannes Jafet Mupiya.
By Shipi Elago