Zebaldt Ngaruka
The popular horse racing competition, the July Handicap, will take place this Saturday at Okahatjipara Turf, in Okondjatu, in the Otjozondjupa region.
An amount of N$300 000 has been put aside for the event by the hosting club, the Professor Supporters Club (PSC), in conjunction with First National Bank Namibia.
Speaking to New Era Sport, Zuma Kavirombo, who is one of the competition organisers, said more than 90 horses confirmed their participation in one of the country’s top sporting events to compete in 17 sprints.
“All arrangements in terms of preparation and necessary logistics are in place. Our turf is one of the best in the country, and it looks great and is ready to welcome the horse-racing community this weekend,” Kavirombo said.
The country’s top Thoroughbred and Nambred horses will compete in two 200-metre races and 2000-metre races, which are the main races of the event.
“We have allocated N$40 000 for the main race of Thoroughbred horses, while the local horses will vie for the cash prize of N$30 000,” alluded Kavirombo.
The event will attract Namibia’s entire top racing horses, who will battle it out in various competitions.
Newly imported horses from the host club, Rose Willow and Resano Royal, will make their debut at the event. Junius Racing’s London Roads and Diplomatic Immunity from Balabala Stables will also feature for the first time in the racing competition in Namibia.
The organiser emphasised that only registered jockeys will be allowed to ride horses at this event.
“This is in line with the Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) rules and regulations, and the association will be held accountable for any injuries to its members,” he explained. -zngaruka@yahoo.com