Action Time delivered a standout performance to win the headline 2000-metre (m) race at the Namibia Horse Racing Association Easter Cup, held on Saturday in Otjinene. 

The racehorse edged out Equeery, who finished a strong second, while Chief Helmet crossed the line in third place in what was one of the most-anticipated events of the day.

Despite some early setbacks, the event was deemed a success by organisers. 

Spokesperson of the Namibia Horse- Racing Association (NHRA) Chantal Mouton praised the event’s overall execution, saying it turned out successfully. 

“We are proud of the turnout, the sportsmanship shown by all clubs, and the flawless execution of the event. This was a true reflection of how far Namibian horse- racing has come. 

“We thank all participants, supporters and the Otjinene community for their unwavering support. This event marked a special milestone, as it was the first race hosted under the leadership of the newly-appointed NHRA executive committee. We are proud to say it was executed with excellence,” she said.

That success came in the face of adversity. 

On Saturday morning, two separate road accidents occurred, involving vehicles transporting racehorses to the event. 

Namibia Horse-Racing Association president Godfrey Mootu confirmed the incidents to New Era.  While no human fatalities were reported, two horses sustained injuries. One of the accidents took place between Rehoboth and Windhoek, while the other occurred just a few kilometres from the Hosea Kutako International Airport. 

The clubs affected by the incidents were Khomas Turf Club and De Waal Racing.

Nonetheless, the racing went ahead as planned, drawing a sizeable crowd. 

Races across various divisions showcased some of Namibia’s top equine talent. 

 The day opened with the Nambred Juvenile race, where Desert Rose raced to victory, followed closely by Shadaloo in second and Kiss My Dust in third. 

The Import Graduation race saw Miraculous Man take top honours, while Desert Fox and Days of Thunder followed in second and third place, respectively.

Golden Fire emerged victorious in the Nambred Maidens race, with Justify finishing second, and High Voltage rounding off the top three.  In the Import Maidens category, Peejay claimed first place, ahead of Extreme Wonder.  The Nambred Graduation race saw Prince outpace his rivals to secure the win, while Naro Empire and Boma Junior followed in second and third.

In a closely-fought Nambred Open race, Boma stormed to first place, edging out Bin Laden and Destiny. 

Over in the Import D-Division, Song of Angels secured a comfortable win, followed by Weerlig Mootu in second and Wondering Star in third place.

The Import A-Division featured one of the day’s most exciting contests, with Action Time powering through to win the 2000m race, ahead of Earl of Cardigan and Visigoth in second and third, respectively.

As the races continued into the afternoon, Kiss My Dust turned the tables to win the Nambred Juvenile’s second round, relegating Shadaloo and Desert Rose to second and third positions. 

Golden Fire repeated its earlier success by claiming another win in the Nambred Maiden race, with Justify and High Voltage maintaining their respective positions in second and third.

Peejay continued its impressive form, taking another first-place finish in the Import Maidens race, again followed by Extreme Wonder.  In the Nambred Graduation rematch, Naro Empire clinched the win, while Prince and Bullet followed closely behind.

Desert Fox captured victory in the second Import Graduation race, with Miraculous Man and Days of Thunder completing the podium. 

Song of Angels, Weerlig Mootu and Wondering Star also repeated their earlier top-three finish in the Import D-Division.

In the Import Open Division, Earl of Cardigan led the field, finishing ahead of Visigoth in second and Power Surge in third. 

The Nambred Open concluded with Bin Laden taking first place, while Boma and Destiny settled for second and third, respectively.  -lmupetami@nepc.com.na