FNB July handicap sponsorship last dance
• By Michael Uugwanga
THE famous horse racing event well known as the First National Bank (FNB) July Handicap is set for a thrilling event this Saturday, 26 July, at Okahatjipara in Okondjatu, which will also be the last time the bank will be sponsoring it. The FNB July Handicap is hosted by the Professor Supporters Club, which was behind in lobbying FNB as a sponsor for the event. The FNB July Handicap is one of the most significant horse racing events in the competition’s history. It has always attracted many spectators despite its cold weather in that part of the country, but this time.
Last month, FNB indicated that it will no longer sponsor the event after a seven-year relationship between the parties. FNB has spent around N$1,5 million towards the FNB July Handicap, with the last event having seen the bank forking out N$260.000 the previous year.
This year, FNB will end with a sponsorship amounting to N$300.000. Horse racing might be different from the number one followed code. \ However, the sponsorship from FNB has helped the sport grow.
Top jockeys are expected to produce once again a thrilling event on their famous horses, such as Visigoth, Starlile, French Leave, Time Master, La Luvia, Able Surprise, Chief Helmet, Mboma, and Don Piero, for top honours in different divisions.
The President of the Namibia Horse-Racing Association (NHRA), Mannes Hendricks, said that the FNB July Handicap is not only a horse racing event but also brings unity among those in attendance.
However, he could not touch on the sponsorship ending between the competition and the sponsor (FNB), focusing more on the positive aspects FNB has contributed to the sport’s growth. “Participating in the FNB Professor Club in July is always very lovely. “It was always a good experience and a fun-filled event. It is a combination of culture, sport, entertainment and last of all a family gathering.
“FNB’s financial boost has been the pillar, and I would always be grateful to Professor Supporters Club for hosting one of the biggest races every year. “A lot of entries have been received, and this year’s planning started a long time,” said Hendricks.
The FNB July Handicap will again be entertained by the country’s best horse racing announcer, Dico Tjombe, behind the microphone. Okahandja hosted the Okahandja Horse Racing in partnership with PSTBET early this month.