Namibia’s Racehorses Excel at Mbasuva Independence Race in Botswana

Namibia’s racehorses excelled at the Mbasuva Independence Race in Botswana, competing alongside horses from Lesotho and South Africa. Notable performances included wins for Namibia’s Earl of Cardigan and Sunny Side. Iritjiua Murangi praised the event’s organization and the horses’ performances, highlighting the regional bonds fostered through equestrian competition.

On Tuesday, Namibia’s racehorses showcased their prowess at the Mbasuva Independence Race held in Botswana, commemorating the nation’s 58 years of independence. The event featured 26 racehorses competing across eight categories, with Namibia’s thoroughbreds excelling in several sprints. In a notable performance, Namibia’s Earl of Cardigan clinched first place in the 800-meter sprint, closely followed by Botswana’s Desert Doops in second and Starlile from Namibia securing third. Meanwhile, in the 1600-meter category for imported horses, Botswana’s Silver Sky took the top position, with Woodland Ridge from Namibia achieving second place, while King of Love from Botswana rounded out the top three. The thoroughbreds’ 1400-meter race saw a clean sweep for Botswana with horses Secretary General, Call Me, and Mr. Liesbery finishing first, second, and third, respectively. Not to be outdone, Namibia’s horse Sunny Side triumphed in the 1000-meter cross-breed event, with two other Namibians, 704 and Mboma, finishing in second and third. Camarata from Namibia displayed commendable effort in the 1000-meter thoroughbred race but ultimately finished third behind Botswana’s Prince and Incahoots, respectively. Sunny Side again proved its mettle in the cross-breed race, earning a win, while Bin Laden and 704 followed in second and third place. The highlight of the day was the main thoroughbred event over 2400 meters, where Botswana’s Silver Sky emerged victorious, with Secretary General and Western Bypass taking second and third, respectively. Iritjiua Murangi, head of the Namibian delegation, expressed satisfaction with the outstanding performance of the Namibian horses, 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.” He praised the organization of the event and the excellent condition of the turf, which favored strong racing. Murangi expressed his belief that such events serve to enhance relations between Namibia and Botswana and affirmed the ongoing development of the racing sport between neighboring countries, noting that Botswana horses would also be participating in an upcoming race in Rehoboth this month.

The Mbasuva Independence Race serves as a significant event in Botswana’s racing calendar, held annually to celebrate the country’s independence. This year saw the participation of horses from Namibia, Lesotho, and South Africa, reflecting a spirit of regional collaboration and competition in equestrian sports. The competing horses ranged from thoroughbreds to cross-breeds, highlighting a diverse array of racing talent from the participating nations. The event draws considerable local attention and fosters goodwill among neighboring countries, promoting cultural exchange through the shared love of horse racing.

In summary, Namibia’s racehorses delivered impressive performances at the Mbasuva Independence Race, achieving notable placements across various events. The competition not only highlighted the skills of the Namibian thoroughbreds but also reinforced regional camaraderie through sports. Iritjiua Murangi’s comments emphasize the importance of such events in fostering relationships between neighboring countries, while the success of Namibian horses speaks volumes about their quality and training. With upcoming races anticipated, the collaboration in horse racing sports continues to grow.

Original Source: neweralive.na