The much-anticipated MTC Horse Racing Derby will take centre stage at the garden town of Okahandja, where the crème de la crème of Namibian racehorses will take to the tracks to compete for top honours and bragging rights in the various divisions.
The Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) was one of the beneficiaries of MTC’s multisport mega million sponsorship, which saw NHRA receiving a sponsorship worth N$1.5 million over three years – that’s N$500 000 annually.
Not only has the MTC sponsorship boosted the coffers of NHRA, but it has brought a new lease of life in the local horse racing sector and have seen multiple races taking place across the country featuring top horses from every nook and cranny of Namibia.
Tomorrow’s race at the Okahandja turf will be no exception, as the very best of the country’s racehorses will be in action vying the pole positions at the race where N$250 000 will be up for grabs in the various categories.
Zuma Kavirombo, one of NHRA executive members, yesterday told New Era Sport that they are expecting between 100 to 120 horses all coming from a mixture of clubs and individual entries, adding that it will be the first time in Namibia’s horse racing for a competition to be worth a staggering N$250 000.
Kavirombo, who said the race will be an 18-sprint event and all jockeys will be geared up in MTC sponsored attires, applauded main sponsor MTC for coming on board and helping hundreds of racehorse owners realise their dreams of competing at the highest level.
“I mean coming from almost nothing to now hosting a race worth N$250 000 is truly amazing and we as an organisation can only say a big thank you to MTC for taking us under their wings. Racehorse owners are now truly motivated and looking toward to what will be one of the biggest races in history. It will be our first race worth N$250 000, which is a big achievement, it speaks to the growth of the sport and how it is gaining popularity across the country and various communities. I’m calling on everyone to come out and support,” said a thrilled Kavirombo.
Old-time campaigners such as in-form racehorse Visigoth, Von Trotha, Rockley Beach, Freedom Fighter, Stebbins, Starlile, Kapenailonga and Bring Me More among many others will all be in action.