Racehorses to battle it out at MTC Winter Cup

EPUKIRO, 29 MAY (NAMPA) – A fierce battle is expected at Tsjaka Ben Hur when Namibia’s top racehorses compete in the MTC Winter Cup competition on Saturday at Tsjaka racetrack in the Omaheke Region.
The competition is taking place under the auspices of the Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) and as so far attracted 70 horses from different racing clubs and individuals.
In an interview with Nampa on Thursday, NHRA spokesperson Chantelle Mouton said the annual event comprises both Nambred and Thoroughbred horses to compete in 19 plates, ranging from distances of 800 metres (m) to 2 400m.
“The 800m distance sprint is the starter for the juvenile horses while 2 400m is the longest sprint and is the main race,” she said.
The spokesperson added that horses like Katiti Komambo from Okahandja Racing (OR), Soldier Boy of Van Wyk Stable, Professor Supporters Club’s Bin Laden, Scofield from Angermund Racing (AR) and Boma from Harambee Stable will compete for top honours in the Nambred main race (Nambred A-Division).
“This will be a tough competition as the horses as have all shined in previous competitions,” she said.
In the main MTC Winter Cup race, Mouton added, Otjinene Stable’s Equerry, Whisper from AR, Burger Racing’s Pee Jay, Unbroken Promises from Naris Stable, WT Racing’s Crystal Maiden and Imperial Ruby from OR are in the lineup for the competition’s top honour.
Other top horses like Woodland Ridge, Torix Night, Earl of Cardigan and Sitting Bull are also expected to shine in their respective plates.
Furthermore, Mouton said the MTC Winter Cup has an impact in the community as it creates opportunities for local people to trade through food stalls and other small businesses at the venue.
“This event is not only for horse racing itself, but is a community-based event and that is why we rotate it to different parts of the country. We aim to give everyone an opportunity and generate income from it,” she said.
The first race is expected to start at 10h00.
(NAMPA)
ZN/PS/AS