Zebaldt Ngaruka

The Rehoboth race track will come alive tomorrow as some of Namibia’s fastest racehorses and most passionate horse racing fans gather for the annual Standard Bank Alex Angermund Race Day in the Hardap region. The event, valued at N$200 000, is sponsored by Standard Bank and PayPulse, with the prize money to be shared amongst the winning horses across several categories.

This year’s race day has attracted nearly 100 horses from various racing clubs across the country, promising an action-packed weekend of speed, skill, and sportsmanship. The competition will feature 19 plates with distances ranging from 800 metres for juvenile horses to 1 400m and 1 800m races, which will serve as the main events for both Thoroughbred and Nambred horses.

Nicky Angermund said the event holds special significance as it celebrates the life and contributions of Alex Angermund, a pioneer in Namibia’s horse racing scene. “Alex played a crucial role in the breeding and development of racehorses before and after Namibia’s independence. His legacy will live on, and we take pride in the role he played in shaping the sport we love most,” Angermund remarked.

Among the day’s major attractions will be the Nambred Open Race, featuring crowd favourites such as Katiti Komambo, Destiny, Boma, Lady Diamond, Bokkie, Leopard Lady, and She’s a Lady. 

Another highlight will be the Import D-Division 1800m race, expected to draw significant attention with top contenders including Mr Aminuis, Mambo’s Express, Desert Fox, Crystal Maiden, McEnroe, and Time Master battling for victory.

The Import A-Division 1000m sprint is also set to be a spectacle, featuring 10 high-performing horses such as Power Surge, Earl of Cardigan, Woodland Ridge, Vang en Los, Whisper, Equerry, Action Time, Visigoth, Sitting Bull, and Unbroken Promises.

Aminuis Racing Club spokesperson Uakaeta Tjiramba confirmed that their team is ready for the challenge. “We are already on the road and confident in our preparations. Despite some earlier injuries, our horses are in great shape and ready to compete. Visigoth is drawn with young horses and is expected to shine, while Desert Fox will contest in the D-Division, and Lady Diamond’s strong record in Rehoboth speaks for itself,” Tjiramba said.

Otjinene Supporters Club vice-chairperson Katjauana Muriambihu echoed similar confidence, stating that their team, which includes Chief Helmet, Earl of Cardigan, Equerry, and Weerlig Mootu, is ready to maintain its strong performance from the recent Okahandja Spring Cup.

Meanwhile, veteran trainer Uaraa Tjiho, known for his legendary horse ‘Freedom Fighter’, will rely on his young horse Hotline to make an impression. Harambee Racing Club will pin their hopes on ‘Boma and Boma Junior’, while Michael van Wyk’s ‘She’s a Lady’ is tipped to dominate the 1 400m race for local horses. The Southern Horse Racing team will look to ‘Del Boy and Royal Stable’ for podium finishes.

According to Angermund, all horse racing protocols will be strictly observed. The event will also feature live DJ performances and running commentary to keep spectators entertained throughout the day.

The first race begins at 09h00, with entry fees set at N$50 for adults, N$20 for children, and an additional N$50 per coolbox. 

-zngaruka@yahoo.com