Zebaldt Ngaruka
The popular Winter July Handicap horse racing competition, organised by Khomas Turf Club, will be staged at the Okahandja turf in the Otjozondjupa region tommorrow.
Speaking to New Era Sport, Chantal Mouton, who is the marketing and public relations officer of the Khomas Turf Club (KTC), said close to 80 horses from various clubs, and individuals have acknowledged their participation in one of Namibia’s top horse racing events.
KTC put aside N$250 000 for hosting the event under the auspices of the Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA), of which N$160 000 will be distributed among winning horses.
“Despite the prize money for the owners of the winning horses, we will give trophies and medals as well,” said Mouton.
She said the purpose of hosting the competition in Okahandja is because the Khomas venue is not in operation, and Okahandja is the ideal one to host an event of this calibre.
Mouton added that each first-place winner will be given a bottle of wine in addition to the prize money, and trophies will only be given to the last two main plates for Nambred and Thoroughbred horses
“There will be six new horses from various clubs that will make debut at this year’s July Handicap. We will miss seasonal horses Leeuloop and Rockley Beach, who passed on last year in an unexpected manner,” she alluded.
Also, Namibia’s top sprint female athlete Christine Mboma will be at the event, where she will be parading with the horse before the main races of the competition.
“As top sprinter in the country, she is also a horse racing fanatic, and her presence at the event will add value to the event,” said Mouton.
In the Nambred main race of the Nambred 2200 metres (m), legendary horse of Uaraa Tjiho, Freedom Fighters from Ovitoto Racing, will battle for honour in the plate it dominated for many years against Bin Laden from Professor Supporters Club, Bright Eye of Iritjiua Murangi and Boma from Harambee Racing.
Another battle of the day will be the final sprint of the day, where 10 imported horses will vie for N$20 000 and a trophy.
This will lead to the final race of the day, where Okahandja Racing’s Starlile is expected to keep the trophy in its home ground.
The famous Okahandja horse recently won the African Day Cup competition, held in Rehoboth in honour of African heroes.
Speaking to New Era Sport, Otis Kotjipati, who is the club spokesperson, said Starlile is injury free and is ready to run on tommorrow.
“We won this competition before and have a home-ground advantage as well. All our horses will give visitors a tough time on our turf,” said Kotjipati.
Starlile will welcome French Leave, Crystal Stream, Boma, Time Master, Bold Diva, Able Surprise, Sitting Bull, Don Pierro and Equerry in the main race of the Thoroughbred horses.
Meanwhile, the organiser added there will be a live DJ performance, and the first race will start at 11h00.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com