Zebaldt Ngaruka
Top Namibian race horses are set to compete in the Africa Day Cup organised by the Rehoboth Turf Club (RTC) in the Hardap region tomorrow.
Winnie Christian, one of the spokespersons of RTC, said the competition takes place under the auspices of the Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) and is aimed at commemorating the Africa Day (25 May) celebrations.
“This event is important to us and the horse fans countrywide, and we have to pay homage to our African heroes with this competition,” Christian said.
Various horse racing clubs from as far as Otjinene, Okakarara, Otjombinde and Ovitoto, amongst others, will assemble in Rehoboth.
Prizes totalling N$100 000 will be distributed among winning horses in addition to trophies and medals.
“The trophy will be specifically for the main race over 1 800 metres (for thoroughbreds). So far, about 80 horses have registered for the competition, and they will battle in 12 plates,” he emphasised.
All top horses, including the recent Gobabis Winter Cup winner thoroughbred Able Surprise, French Leave, Imperial Ruby, Mr. F, Forged Flames, Starlile, and Visigoth acknowledged their presence in the Africa Day Cup competition.
Christian added that the main race for Nambred horses will be over 1600m, where the likes of Freedom Fighters, Lady Diamond, Sunny Side, and Bright Eye, among others, are expected to feature.
“We, the Rehoboth Turf Club, as host, want this trophy to remain here. Our horses are ready to challenge the visitors on our own turf, and we will give them a tough time.” He further said the jockey of the day will get a special trophy, adding that this prize is aimed at motivating jockeys.
The first race will start at 12h00.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com