Zebalt Ngaruka
Horse owner Eamon Freygang believes that producing local racehorses will be the long-term solution to the challenges currently faced in acquiring horses from outside Namibia.
He pointed out that many racing clubs in the country traditionally source their horses from South Africa (SA), but this trend is changing. The difficulties in acquiring horses have increased significantly due to soaring purchase prices.
Freygang shared insights about his own horse, Kings Kitten, born in 2016. Kings Kitten has established a reputation as one of Namibia’s most decorated racehorses, and Freygang has now transitioned him into a breeding horse. “Kings Kitten has produced one offspring. The primary goal is to breed horses that can step in when others retire,” he stated. He emphasised that producing horses locally is a more cost-effective strategy, particularly when considering the inflated prices associated with importing from South Africa.
“If we continue to breed our own horses, we may even be able to supply other countries as well, Freygang added, highlighting the potential for growth in the local breeding industry.
Addressing rumours surrounding Kings Kitten’s retirement, he firmly denied allegations that the horse was forced to retire due to pressure or poor performance in racing competitions. “There is no truth to those claims. My horse retired after winning the main race in Okahandja, and it retired on a high note. It even defeated the popular horse Starlile at that event,” he clarified.
The breeder proudly noted that Kings Kitten has won 31 major competitions, with all of the trophies and medals proudly displayed in his cabinet. This illustrious career has only reinforced his commitment to breeding quality horses.
In an exciting development, Freygang confirmed that the offspring of Kings Kitten, named Queens Kitten, is set to make its racing debut at the upcoming competition in Rehoboth on 19 October. “I am a very proud owner, and I hope to see the fruits of this breeding initiative soon. Kings Kitten is again pregnant, and I am optimistic about the continued production of quality racehorses,” he said.