Local horses to grace Opuwo Trade Fair

Local horses to grace Opuwo Trade Fair

OPUWO – The Opuwo Annual Trade Fair Society will host the third horse racing event at the Newman Katuta Sports Field on Saturday.

This is in a bid to provide a platform for local riders to compete for top honours.

The event will feature over 35 local horses from Opuwo and eight horses from the inland Omaheke region competing in three races, with distances of 1 000 metres (m), 1 600m and a final 2 000-m race showcasing Nambred horses.

Local horse racing organiser Injandisa Irende Kavari told Nampa on yesterday that the event is organised to bring local riders together. 

He added that horse-racing has an astounding ability to unite people as seen beyond the northern borders in areas such as Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Khomas, where the event has become very popular.

“As observed in other regions where the event is very popular, we also want to grow and promote horse racing for our local people and turn the event into a professional one. It’s not just about racing. The event also fosters a sense of unity, heritage and showcases talent,” he said.

Kavari added that the top 12 local horses will receive trophies and cash prizes. 

The professional horses from the inland region of Omaheke will compete against each other and receive a small token of appreciation.

Kavari said the winning horse in the 1 000m will receive a trophy and N$4 500. 

The runner-up will receive N$2 700. 

Third place will receive N$1 800, and fourth place will be awarded N$700.

The winning horse in the 1 600m will take home N$5 500, with the runner-up receiving N$3 500. 

The horse that finishes in third place will get N$2 200, while fourth place will take home N$900.

All attention will be paid to the final race, the 2 000m race, where a total of N$15 900 awaits the top four horses. 

The winner of the final race will pocket N$6 500, the runner-up will receive N$4 300, the horse in third place will get N$3 200 and the fourth-place rider will take home N$1 900. 

-Nampa