The popular July Handicap was recently boosted with a N$250 000 sponsorship from FNB Namibia, says Professor Supporters Club executive Timo Muzeu.
The main race will see several crowd favourites after the registration process was completed on Monday.
Overall, about 80 horses have been entered in the 17 Nambred and Import race categories.
“It is the first time in the history of horse racing that such an amount is given towards an event. The first six horses will walk away with prize money,” Muzeu told Desert Radio this week.
“The FNB July Handicap is organised as part of the recently concluded sponsorship agreement between FNB Namibia and the Professor Supporters Club Namibia,” he said.
Under the agreement, FNB Namibia will provide an annual amount of N$300 000 from 2022 to 2024.
“The successful negotiations have resulted in the acquisition of a set of starting stalls. This will be the first time Professor Supporters Namibia will use their starting stalls at the event,” Muzeu said.
“All roads will this weekend lead to Okahatjipara Turf Club, which is the home of Professor, and which is affectionately referred to as the Wembley of horse racing in Namibia.”
He said Professor Supporters Club Namibia intends to invite horses from neighbouring Botswana to participate in the FNB July Handicap in 2023.
“The Professor Supporters Namibia believes it has the ability to stage an event of that magnitude because it has the necessary facilities at its disposal,” Muzeu said.
