Namibia’s Racehorses Excel at Botswana’s Mbasuva Independence Race
Namibia’s racehorses significantly excelled at the Mbasuva Independence Race in Botswana, competing against counterparts from Lesotho and South Africa. Notable achievements included several first-place finishes, particularly in the thoroughbred and cross-breed categories, demonstrating the quality of Namibian equine athletes. The event fostered regional ties and set the stage for future collaboration between Namibia and Botswana in equestrian sports.
On Tuesday, Namibia’s racehorses showcased their prowess at the Mbasuva Independence Race in Botswana, an event celebrating the host nation’s 58th Independence Day. Competing alongside participants from Lesotho and South Africa, Namibia had approximately 26 thoroughbreds compete in eight different races at Charleshill, demonstrating remarkable skill in various sprints. In the 800-meter sprint for thoroughbreds, Namibia’s Earl of Cardigan secured first place, followed closely by Botswana’s Desert Doops in second and another Namibian horse, Starlile, in third. Additionally, in the 1600-meter race for imported horses, Botswana’s Silver Sky claimed first place, while Woodland Ridge from Namibia finished in second, and King of Love, also from Botswana, took third. The 1400-meter thoroughbred race saw a clean sweep by Botswana horses, with Secretary General, Call Me, and Mr. Liesbery finishing in the top three positions, respectively. In the cross-breed category, Namibia’s Sunny Side emerged victorious in the 1000-meter race, with two other Namibian contenders, 704 and Mboma, finishing in second and third places, respectively. Another strong showing for Namibia came in the 1000-meter thoroughbred race where Camarata placed third behind Botswana’s Prince and Incahoots. The day concluded with the main event, a thoroughbred race covering 2400 meters, where Silver Sky from Botswana once again triumphed, followed by Namibia’s Secretary General and Western Bypass, who took second and third places. Iritjiua Murangi, the leader of the Namibian delegation, expressed satisfaction with the horses’ performances, stating, “We managed to get first places, and that shows the class of our horses. We competed against tough horses, and we are happy for the performance.” Murangi lauded the organization of the event and the excellent quality of the turf, which he believed contributed to the horses’ successful runs. Furthermore, he emphasized that the competition served to enhance the relationship between Namibia and Botswana, stating, “The development of racing sport will continue, and we are expanding to other neighbouring countries.” He noted that Botswana competitors are expected to visit Namibia for an upcoming race in Rehoboth later this month.
The Mbasuva Independence Race serves as a significant cultural and sporting event in Botswana, celebrating the nation’s independence while fostering regional camaraderie through equine competitions. In this event, thoroughbreds from various countries, including Namibia, Lesotho, and South Africa, come together to compete, showcasing both the athletic abilities of the horses and the dedication of the jockeys and trainers from these nations. The presence of Namibian horses at such events highlights the growing recognition and competition within the Southern African equestrian community.
In summary, Namibia’s racehorses demonstrated exceptional performance at the Mbasuva Independence Race in Botswana, achieving commendable placements in various categories. The event not only celebrated Botswana’s independence but also strengthened the bonds between the two nations through shared sporting experiences. Iritjiua Murangi’s remarks reflect a positive outlook for the future of racing within the region, underscoring the potential for continued collaboration and competition in upcoming events.
Original Source: neweralive.na
