The country’s top racehorses and horse racing enthusiasts will this weekend converge at Omaheke region’s Tsjaka settlement for tomorrow’s much-anticipated race hosted by the Aminuis Horse Racing Club under the auspices of the Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA).
According to the event organiser, Mbaroro Katjiuanjo, more than 90 horses have been entered for the race and more entries are still anticipated before Friday [today]. He said top horses from all corners of the country are expected to grace the turf this weekend and stiff competition is expected.
“It’s an exciting event which will attract a lot of clubs. So far we have a total of 90 horses that have been entered for this coming competition. The 90 horses are from eight clubs including the country’s top performing clubs. We have horses coming from Okahandja, a horse from the southern town of Keetmanshoop as well as Rehoboth. We also expecting local horses from within our region to partake in the event. So it is going to be very exciting,” said Katjiuanjo.
Katjiuanjo also reminded participants that despite daily drops in the number of Covid-19 related cases countrywide, people should still adhere to the set rules and safety regulations which he said will be fully implemented at the event.
“We are also reminding participants and everyone who will be at the event to fully adhere to the Covid-19 safety regulations. We also urge them to bring their sanitisers and wear their masks. This will help us in curbing the spread of the virulent Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.
Meanwhile, NHRA president Martinez de Waal says he is overwhelmed that clubs can host races again as jockeys rely on races to earn a living.
“I am glad that people are back and can race again – this was a very difficult year which has put so many plans on hold but I am excited to see people competing again because if they don’t race, there won’t be anything on the table for jockeys and the vendors that make a little money from these races,” said De Waal.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na