Horse racing competition held to promote tourism

By Thakur Acharya,Myagdi, Mar. 26: A horse racing competition was organised to boost tourism in Ghodepani, a popular tourist destination in Myagdi. The Horse Entrepreneurs Committee hosted the horse racing competition on the occasion of Fagu Purnima (Holi festival) at Ghodepani, situated in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6.

Dipendra Gurung from Kaski Samarung won the competition. Riding a horse from Annapurna Rural Municipality-6, Gurung completed the 6.5-kilometre race from Khiwang to Ghodepani in 28 minutes and 46 seconds, securing the success.

The time gap between the winner and the runner-up was a mere five seconds. Horse trader Biren Garbuja from Ghodepani informed that Krishna Magar, from Ghandruk, completed the race in 28 minutes and 51 seconds, securing the second position. 

Dipendra Sripali from Ghandruk in Kaski won the third position, completing the race in 29 minutes and 50 seconds.

The winners were awarded with cash prizes of Rs. 55,000, Rs. 35,000, and Rs. 25,000 respectively. In addition, trophies and certificates were presented to the first, second, and third-place winners of the competition. 

According to Gurung, it is noteworthy that for the past four years, the horse racing competition has been organised to promote horse riding tourism in the area.

A total of 25 horses from various locations including Sikh, Ghodepani, Ghandruk, Samarung, Ulleri, Falate, and others participated in the competition. The racing route spanned from Khiwang through Kutuka-Thulakharka-Perivarani Tal-Bhalkhara-Lareni, ending at Kalisar. The event received support from Ghodepani Youth Club, Mothers’ Group, Tourism Management Sub-Committee, and Tole Improvement Committee.

It is expected that the horse racing competition will contribute significantly to the promotion of horse racing tourism, said hotel businessman Dam Bahadur Garbuja. 

The event garnered attention from both domestic and international tourists, who watched the competition with keen interest.