Maurice Kambukwe
Although the sport of horseracing has seen tremendous growth over the last couple of years, event organisers feel much more work needs to be done, especially in the area of infrastructure development.
Timo Mujeu, the co-owner of the Okahatjipara Turf Club at Okondjatu, where the MTC Winter Cup took place over the weekend, told New Era Sport they are happy with the overall growth of the sport, and with how sponsors are beginning to embrace the sport of horseracing as one of the fastest growing disciplines.
Mujeu said, with more sponsors coming on board over the past few years, the sport has managed to unlock its potential, and it has created opportunities for local jockeys and racehorse owners.
The likes of MTC, Standard Bank, FNB Namibia, Namibia Breweries Limited and many other local individual sponsors are all involved in bankrolling the sport.
“We have seen major changes in these horseracing events across the country – and ever since bigger corporate companies came on board, the growth has become visible for all to see and join. The number of participants is always growing as a result of the improved winning prizes,” said Mujeu.
He also hailed the expanding number of local competitions hosted countrywide under various sponsors and clubs, saying it has enabled all Namibians to enjoy and embrace the sport of horseracing.
“We have hosted more competitions in a year than ever before, giving opportunities for growth to every horse and its owner. This just shows how important sponsorship in sport is.”
With improved infrastructure and more sponsors on board, the country will in no time start hosting up to 10 events per year, and will start attracting international participants from countries such as South Africa, Botswana and others.
But despite the great growth and transition, Mujeu pointed out there is still more work to do done, especially in the area of upgrading and installing new infrastructure, such as improving and modernising racing tracks and training jockeys.
“I am happy with the growth, but it’s important we also start investing the money in upgrading our infrastructure and racing venues. Our turf is one of the most used venues in the country, and it now requires that we build a pavilion around it to make it enjoyable and safer for the spectators. Some clubs do not have venues, and that improvement will ease up that problem,” he added.