Three Namibian horse- racing clubs are gearing up to showcase their best steeds at the highly-anticipated MA-SA derby, set to take place at the MA-SA Racing Park in Samedupi village near Maun in Botswana on Saturday.
This is the second edition of the Easter holiday derby, which promises to become one of the most prestigious and exciting events on the regional horse- racing calendar.
Organisers promise a bigger and better spectacle this year, drawing elite horses and top jockeys from Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho, who are all ready to test their mettle in front of thousands of spectators.
A number of races are scheduled throughout the day, catering to different breeds and distances. In the Thoroughbred category, races will range from 800 to 2 400 metres, with the headline 2 400m event boasting a grand prize of nearly N$100 000.
Crossbreed races will include the 1 000m and 1 400m distances, while Tswana breeds will compete over distances from 1 000m up to 1 200m. Jockeys across all categories stand to win generous cash prizes.
Namibia will be well- represented at the derby, with Okahandja Racing Club Otjinene Supporters Club, and Junius Racing confirming participation.
Manne Hendriks of Okahandja Racing Club expressed confidence in his stable’s line-up, which includes horses Starlile, Vang en Los, Katiti Komambo and Imperial Ruby.
“We’ve prepared well, and are eager to see how our horses perform against international competition. The prizes vary, but we’re aiming for top placements in each category,” said Hendriks.
The Otjinene Supporters Club will send four strong contenders: Weerlig Mootu, Equery, Earl of Cardigan and Chief Helmet.
Club spokesperson Gottfried Mootu stressed the importance of competing outside Namibia.
“This is a crucial opportunity to gauge our horses’ performance at a regional level. If we aim to compete internationally, especially in South Africa, events like this are the stepping stone,” he noted.
Mootu added that transporting the horses and covering registration fees cost them around N$10 000, but said it’s a worthwhile investment, considering the potential prize money and exposure.
Junius Racing, another prominent Namibian stable, is sending Woodland Ridge, a horse that has earned high praise from bookmakers.
“This will be the biggest meeting of the year between Namibian and Botswana horses. “We’re expecting a crowd of around 5 000. Our horse, Woodland Ridge, is currently a joint favourite with Botswana’s Western Bypass.”
The event is sponsored by Sunbets, which adds to the excitement through official betting on the races.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na