The second edition of the MTC Winter Cup will take place this Saturday in Rehoboth.

The launch of the second edition took place yesterday in the capital, where the Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) leadership announced the competition will consist of 20 racing plates across various categories. The inaugural edition of the event was held last November in Okahandja.

For this weekend, a handsome N$250 000 will be divided between the winners of the different categories, according to NHRA president Marthinus de Waal.

He said no spectators will be allowed and strict Covid-19 measures will be enforced throughout the event for those present.

Only race horse owners, sponsors and members of the media will be allowed into the venue.

“We will have a veterinary clinic present at the venue, water facilities will be available, and security will be very tight on that day, as a maximum of 30 security personnel will be on duty. We also asked the police and defence to assist with security. As organisers and horse owners, we are looking forward to hosting a successful event this Saturday,” said de Waal. 

Also speaking at yesterday’s event, MTC’s Fikameni Mathias said: “From the sponsor’s perspective, it’s all hands on deck. It’s a new normal [Covid-19 strict regulations], so we appeal to sports lovers to be patient. It’s unfortunate that there will be no spectators. It’s the crisis we find ourselves in and we are doing this to prevent the spread of the virus, and we shall wait for better times,” he added.

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na