Namibia’s racehorses showcased exceptional talents at Botswana’s Mbasuva Independence Race, celebrating the nation’s 58th anniversary. With impressive performances in various categories, Namibian horses secured several top positions, indicating their competitive spirit and promising future in the sport. The event strengthened ties between Namibia and Botswana, paving the way for future collaborations in horse racing.
On Tuesday, Namibia’s racehorses made a remarkable impression at the Mbasuva Independence Race held in Botswana, celebrating the host nation’s 58 years of independence. This event took place at Charleshill and included participants from Lesotho, South Africa, and Botswana alongside the Namibian racers. In total, 26 thoroughbreds competed across eight different races, with Namibian horses showcasing impressive performances, particularly in various sprints. Among the highlights, Namibia’s Earl of Cardigan secured first place in the 800-meter race, followed closely by Botswana’s Desert Doops and Namibian horse Starlile taking the second and third spots, respectively. In the imported horses category for the 1600 meters, Botswana’s Silver Sky achieved victory, with Woodland Ridge of Namibia finishing second and King of Love from Botswana in third. In the highly competitive 1400-meter race, local Botswana horses swept the top three positions, featuring Secretary General, Call Me, and Mr. Liesbery finishing first, second, and third, respectively. Meanwhile, Namibia’s Sunny Side triumphed in the 1000-meter cross-breed race, followed by two other Namibian entries—704 and Mboma—who claimed second and third places. Another notable performance by Namibia was in the thoroughbred 1000 meters, where Botswana’s Prince finished first, while Namibian Camarata secured third. The cross-breed event was again dominated by Sunny Side, who led over Bin Laden and 704. The central event, the 2400-meter thoroughbred race, concluded with Botswana’s Silver Sky once again claiming victory, followed by Secretary General and Western Bypass from Namibia in second and third positions. Gilbert Murangi, the head of the Namibian delegation, expressed satisfaction with the remarkable outcomes from Namibian horses. He remarked, “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 emphasized the excellent organization of the event and praised the condition of the racetrack, which allowed for optimal racing conditions. Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of such events in fostering robust relations between the neighboring nations, asserting that “the development of racing sport will continue, and we are expanding to other neighbouring countries.” He also noted that Botswana horses are scheduled to visit Namibia for an upcoming race in Rehoboth later this month.
Horse racing is a significant cultural and sporting event in Southern Africa, providing a platform for competition among various countries. Namibia has been known for its top thoroughbred horses, and participation in cross-border events not only showcases their quality but also strengthens bilateral ties with neighboring countries. The Mbasuva Independence Race serves as a celebration of Botswana’s national day while providing an opportunity for international collaboration in the sport.
The participation of Namibian racehorses in the Mbasuva Independence Race highlighted their competitiveness and excellence in equestrian sports. With commendable performances across multiple categories, Namibian horses proved their caliber against tough competition. The event not only celebrated Botswana’s independence but also paved the way for future collaborations in horse racing between Namibia and Botswana, contributing to the development of the sport in the region.
Original Source: neweralive.na
