The Debmarine Namibia-sponsored horse racing event in Gobabis on Saturday is anticipated to attract huge crowds to witness Namibia’s top horses race to win some of the N$250 000 on offer.

Speaking to this publication yesterday, Uakaeta Tjiramba from Aminuis Racing Club said stiff competition among the horses and jockeys is expected. 

“We are looking at 18 plates for this event. Registration has ended – and looking at the number of registered horses, it will surely be the biggest event of the year,” he said.

Tjiramba added that what will make this event interesting is that seasoned horse Stalile, who has been nursing an injury, is expected to grace the tracks.

“A lot of horses were ruled out of action in our past events, but most of those horses are expected to compete for top honours at the weekend, meaning competition will be high and a lot is at stake,” he noted. Tjiramba also said only local horses will be racing.

“We are only allowing local horses to compete at this competition. We want to give our own people the opportunity to grow the sport here by ourselves. Having to see our own people benefitting from our own competition helps in growing the sport,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) vice president Mannes Hendriks thanked Debmarine Namibia for coming on board to sponsor the competition. 

“What they did is good for the growth of the sport. We would like to encourage others to do the same,” he said.

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na