Zebaldt Ngaruka
The horse racing community was shocked after a renowned horse, Cut the Corner from Otjinene Supporters Club (OSC), died.
This happened after the horse successfully completed two races in the May Derby horse racing competition held at Otjinene turf in Omaheke region on Saturday.
It competed and secured the third position in both the D-division 1200 and 1800 metre (m) races, but later died of a suspected heart attack.
He was recently promoted from Nambred Graduation to the D-division category, following tremendous achievements in the racing competition.
One of the managers of OSC, Katjauana Muriambihu, said Cut the Corner was one of the top horses from their club as it won two trophies for the club in races held in Okahandja and Gobabis.
“This is not the end; we will continue to be part of the competition with our other horses,” Muriambihu said.
Overall, the competition endorsed by the Namibia Horse Racing Association saw close to 80 horses from various racing clubs battling for a total N$120000 cash prize.
Aminuis Racing’s (AR) Blonde Act and Harambee Racing club's Mboma galloped to victory in the 2000m Imported and Nambred divisions, respectively.
Khomas Turf club’s Jazzagal, followed by The Spectacular and Desert Fox showcased their prowess in the Import Graduation 1600m race. Blonde Act left behind club counterpart Visigoth in second place, while Earl of Cardigan came third.
In the Thoroughbred category, Mboma surprised many after she came ahead of Professor Supporters Club’s Sunny Side and Lady Diamond from AR, settling for the second and third places, respectively. In the short distance of 1200m for Nambred D-division horses, Talk to Me emerged as winner, followed by KTC’s Destiny in second, whereas Cut The Corner came third.
Camerata won the 1000m in the Import D-division, whereas Woodland Ridge claimed second place ahead of Power Surge.
In the Nambred Graduation 1000m division, Leopard Lady marched in front of Queen Shadai and Shining Diamond taking second and third place respectively.
The new entrant, Isiphekepheke from OR grabbed the first position in the import maiden category, followed by Eamon Freygang’s First Time Lucky and Okko Basha from Kalahari Turf in third.
In the 1800m Nambred D-division, Talk to Me of Balabala Stables won the race, whereas KTC’s Destiny took second place.
Nongoo Katjiuanjo, one of AR’s managers, said the club is happy with their horses’ performances, adding that they dedicate the win to one of their patrons, Utarera Bori Katjiuanjo, who is ill.
“This achievement is for him, as he has always been with the club through thick and thin. May the almighty God give him strength so that he can be with us for many years ahead,” Katjiuanjo said.
The manager added that the victory is attributed to the speed exercises they pursued at training.
“This really improved their performance. The Okahandja battle will continue, as everyone still wants to win. It’s good that we defeated Earl of Cardigan on home ground,” said Katjiuanjo.
The manager said the win was long overdue after the death of another popular horse, French Leave, which was dominant in the 2000m up to 2400m races in Namibia and Botswana.
“We are lucky to have a replacement in the name of Blonde Act.
This horse will bring more silverware to the club,” he said.