Minister rallies support for horse racing

The minister of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has urged corporate entities and philanthropists to support horse racing, which he said, would create employment opportunities for the youth.

The minister, who represented the President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, at last Saturday’s Independence Day Cup Race meeting at the Accra Turf Club (ATC), near Adjirigano, said his outfit was ready to give support to corporate bodies which were interested in investing in the sport which went into oblivion for many years.

“I want to urge sponsors to come on board to help develop and promote the sport and whatever support they need to make their sponsorship meaningful we will give it to them”, he added.

Four races were ran on the day with the third one, which was the Independence Day Challenge Cup, featuring eight horses from the Division 4A category witnessing Hajia, who was driven by Sumaila Musah emerged as the overall winner.

Hajia, owned by Mrs E.F.W Mills, won the magnificent trophy and the cash prize at stake after an impressive performance within an average time of 1.45 seconds over a distance of 1200 metres in front of about 500 spectators.

First runner-up Sly Mongoose, guided by Ebenezer Charwey set the early pace after the official start of the race, opening a small lead away from second runner-up Mr K also driven by E.A. Adjetey and Hajia (Ismaila Musah), however around 300meters to the end, Sly Mongoose lost her steam and was taken over by Hajia who cruised to her exciting win.