Horse racing at Rehoboth goes ahead
LIMBA MUPETAMI
WINDHOEK
The Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) will host the MTC Winter Cup at Rehoboth on Saturday.
This will be NHRA’s second event sponsored by MTC and there will be 19 races in total.
According to NHRA president Marthinus de Waal, the prize money is N$250 000.
He said spectators will not be allowed at the track and there will be tight security to ensure that all Covid-19 protocols are strictly enforced.
Animal welfare
De Waal added that there will be a veterinary station at the venue, and that the welfare of the horses will be their top priority.
“We have learned a lot from the first event which we held last year in November,” he said.
The first MTC Derby, held at Okahandja in November, attracted many spectators but there was an outcry about how the horses were treated.
“There will be ample water points as well as shade provided for the horses. It is true that some clubs are unable to provide this for their horses, but there will be structures for shade,” he added.
The Derby was hosted by the Okahandja Horse Club and featured participants from Gobabis, Rehoboth, Okakarara, Otjinene, Okondjatu, Aminuis and Okahandja.
MTC’s Fikameni Matias added that all contact sport is prohibited for the month of June, but they got confirmation from the Namibia Sports Commission that horse racing does not fall in that category.
“All hands are on deck and the welfare of horses and jockeys should be a priority. Everyone must be taken care of,” he said.
He further urged sports fans to be patient as spectator sports will return. “However, for now we’ll adhere to the rules and regulations in place,” said Matias.
The first race will start at 10:00.
WINDHOEK
The Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) will host the MTC Winter Cup at Rehoboth on Saturday.
This will be NHRA’s second event sponsored by MTC and there will be 19 races in total.
According to NHRA president Marthinus de Waal, the prize money is N$250 000.
He said spectators will not be allowed at the track and there will be tight security to ensure that all Covid-19 protocols are strictly enforced.
Animal welfare
De Waal added that there will be a veterinary station at the venue, and that the welfare of the horses will be their top priority.
“We have learned a lot from the first event which we held last year in November,” he said.
The first MTC Derby, held at Okahandja in November, attracted many spectators but there was an outcry about how the horses were treated.
“There will be ample water points as well as shade provided for the horses. It is true that some clubs are unable to provide this for their horses, but there will be structures for shade,” he added.
The Derby was hosted by the Okahandja Horse Club and featured participants from Gobabis, Rehoboth, Okakarara, Otjinene, Okondjatu, Aminuis and Okahandja.
MTC’s Fikameni Matias added that all contact sport is prohibited for the month of June, but they got confirmation from the Namibia Sports Commission that horse racing does not fall in that category.
“All hands are on deck and the welfare of horses and jockeys should be a priority. Everyone must be taken care of,” he said.
He further urged sports fans to be patient as spectator sports will return. “However, for now we’ll adhere to the rules and regulations in place,” said Matias.
The first race will start at 10:00.
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