Zebaldt Ngaruka
DRIMIOPSIS - Various horse racing clubs are busy preparing for the Gobabis Summer Derby racing event, which is scheduled for early December.
Aminuis Racing Club, in collaboration with Debmarine Namibia, will stage the event at Gobabis Turf Club.
An amount of N$250 000 is set aside by Debmarine Namibia as part of its contributions to the development of horse racing in Namibia.
Most Nambred horse owners who spoke to this publication said they are working around the clock to prepare for the upcoming competition.
The Nambred category refers to Namibian-born horses, also referred to as homebred horses.
Angermund Racing’s Willem Lotsch said their horse Flowing River is prepared for the upcoming event.
It recently scooped first and second places at Okahandja and Rehoboth competitions in 1000 metres (m) and 1400m.
“We are training and feeding it every day. This is an A-division horse, and its performance in recent competitions speaks volumes,” Lotsch explained.
Seretse Olibile from Balabala Stables said his two Nambred horses, Colour of Hope and Talk to Me, will give fellow competitors a run for their money.
“This event is in our region; all the farmworkers will go to Gobabis to support their event. We will not disappoint our supporters,” assured Olibile.
Epukiro Racing’s Iritjiua Murangi said Bright Eye is ‘eyeing’ victory at the Gobabis event.
“Our preparations are at an advanced stage, and I am confident of victory, and Epukiro supporters must keep on rallying behind their horse,” said Murangi.
He said they expect tough battles in 1800m and 1200m against top horses like Boma from Harambee Racing, Lady Diamond, Sunny Side, and Flowing River, amongst others.
Katjauana Muriambihu, from the Otjinene Supporters Club, expressed his determination to leave no aspect unexplored during the Gobabis event.
“We will take six horses to that big event; buses and trucks are arranged to take our supporters to the prestigious event,” Muriambihu said.
Ovitoto Racing’s Uaraa Tjiho, who has dominated the Nambred category with his horse Freedom Fighter, said the legendary horse might not travel to Omaheke’s capital as it is healing an injury.
However, Tjiho said his other two horses, Black Beauty and Hotline, are expected to shine at the event.
“Despite the drought in our area, I am maintaining my horses well. They are in good shape, and my jockeys are confident of victory in Gobabis,” Tjiho lamented.
Uakaeta Tjiramba from hosting club Aminuis Racing said they only have one Nambred horse in the name of Lady Diamond, whom they expect to do better for the club, which faced a lot of challenges this year.