Carlos Kambaekwa
1 July 2011
Windhoek — The annual July Handicap Horse Racing is one of the most cherished rituals in the Otjozondjupa Region.
Tomorrow’s race promises to be a real humdinger with close to 50 horses and riders expected to flock to the state-of-the-art racetrack at Otjomapenda for the 4th edition of the Otjomapenda Racing Club at Farm Dankbaar near Okozonduzu.
The fast growing and popular racing meet kicks off tomorrow with no less than five thoroughbred stake races, featuring the talent-laden Black n Blue of Hendrik van Niekerk and Yes Yes Yes of Marks Kahuikee, as well as Le Blues of Uaraa Tjiho from Ovitoto.
Yes Yes Yes is the clear favourite in the shorter distance of 1 800 meters, but could face some stiff competition from the likes of Hitler of Gerson Kandjii (Otjinene) and Moses Kandjoze’s Rocket.
The one-day event gets underway with the Crossbreed 1 000-meter race to be followed by the Farmer Horse category (1000 meters) and the much sought after Thoroughbred category – covering a distance of 1 000 meters, in that order.
Race four will see horses competing in the Maiden Section over 1 200 meters with subsequent races in the gruelling 2 000 meters and the more exciting shorter 800-meter Maiden Race.
The highlight of the day is doubtlessly Race 8, featuring thoroughbred horses over a distance of 1 800 meters.
In the absence of a recognized official sponsor, event organizers have dug deep into their pockets and donated a total of N$40,000 for the winners in their respective categories.
Apart from the cash prizes, three cows will also be at stake for the overall top achievers.
The proceedings will be under the supervision of track announcer, Stanley Tjozongoro, who will keep spectators abreast with full details on the racehorses and their respective riders.
The Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport & Culture, Kazenambo Kazenambo, will be among some of the expected high-profile dignitaries.
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Excerpt from:
July Handicap Set for a Humdinger