Tsjaka: A fierce battle is expected at Tsjaka Ben Hur when Namibia's top racehorses compete in the MTC Winter Cup competition on Saturday at Tsjaka racetrack in the Omaheke Region. The competition is taking place under the auspices of the Namibia Horse Racing Association (NHRA) and has attracted 70 horses from different racing clubs and individuals. According to Namibia Press Agency, NHRA spokesperson Chantelle Mouton stated in an interview on Thursday that the annual event comprises both Nambred and Thoroughbred horses competing in 19 plates, with distances ranging from 800 metres (m) to 2,400m. "The 800m distance sprint is the starter for the juvenile horses while 2,400m is the longest sprint and is the main race," she explained. The spokesperson added that prominent horses such as Katiti Komambo from Okahandja Racing (OR), Soldier Boy of Van Wyk Stable, Professor Supporters Club's Bin Laden, Scofield from Angermund Racing (AR), and Boma from Harambee Stable will vie for top honours in the Nambred main ra ce (Nambred A-Division). "This will be a tough competition as the horses have all shined in previous competitions," she noted. In the main MTC Winter Cup race, Mouton continued, Otjinene Stable's Equerry, Whisper from AR, Burger Racing's Pee Jay, Unbroken Promises from Naris Stable, WT Racing's Crystal Maiden, and Imperial Ruby from OR are contenders for the competition's top honour. Other top horses like Woodland Ridge, Torix Night, Earl of Cardigan, and Sitting Bull are also anticipated to excel in their respective plates. Furthermore, Mouton emphasized the MTC Winter Cup's impact on the community, as it creates opportunities for local people to trade through food stalls and other small businesses at the venue. "This event is not only for horse racing itself, but is a community-based event and that is why we rotate it to different parts of the country. We aim to give everyone an opportunity and generate income from it," she added. The first race is expected to start at 10h00.