GOBABIS – Seasoned racehorse Earl Cardigan from Otjinene Supporters Club dominated proceedings at the Debmarine Gobabis Summer Cup at the Gobabis turf, where it scooped the all-important 1 800m Import Open category.
Cardigan was followed by Able Promises from Eamon Freygang and La Luvia from Angermund Racing in third place, respectively, after a tightly contested homestretch.
This year’s edition of the Debmarine Summer Cup took place in Gobabis on Saturday, attracting more than 100 top racehorses from across the country, which all competed for top honours in various categories.
Meanwhile, in the Nambred Open 1 800m, Boma from Harambee Racing reigned supreme, winning that category, followed by Lady Diamond from Aminius Racing and Sunny Side from Professor Supporter Club in third place.
In the Import D-Division, Miss K from Aminius dominated that category, winning first place, followed by Mboma from Eamon Freygang, while Mr Aminius from Harambee Racing was in third place.
Bold Diva from Angermund Racing won the Import Open 1 600m category, followed by Equerry from Otjinene Supporters Club – and in third place was Extreme Pain from Extreme Racing Club. In the Nambred Graduation, Talk to Me from Balabala Stables won the respective race, followed by Cut the Corner from Otjinene Horse Racing Club, while Mr President from Professor Supporters Club finished in third place.
In the Nambred Maiden 1 600m, 84 from Kalahari Turf Club finished first, followed by Daylight Robbery from Kalahari Turf and Leopard Lady from Junius Turf Club.
After the main race, Progarius Mariambihu, the owner of the racehorse, expressed his happiness at being crowned the winner of the much-coveted and important 1 800m Import Open category. He said that was his hard work paying off.
“I didn’t expect my horse to win, looking at the number of seasoned horses that were in the same category. We had hopes as well; we put so much time and money into ensuring the horse competed, and I believe this is the reward of all my hard work,” said Mariambihu.
Meanwhile, the horse jockey, Gatter Eiman, reflected on the race, saying he enjoyed it because it was one of the most competitive races he has competed in.
“I am happy that my horse came out victorious, and I think we prepared enough. On the race, it was quite tough and interesting at the same time,” he added.
On his part, Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) president Mannus Hendricks expressed satisfaction with the number of horses that took part in the event, saying the race was a successful event.
“I am happy with the number of people that came to watch this great race by the country’s top horses. It was well organised, and we are happy with the results. Seeing such stiff competitions only shows how the sport has grown, and we hope to continue with greater events,” he said.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na