Mascom derby aims to rival Durban July
Monkagedi Gaothobogwe | Monday March 24, 2014 17:04
Responding to a Showtime questionnaire Mascom stated: “There is no doubt that with continued support the event could rival Durban July and many other well established horse races around the world. It is important to note that the Durban July has taken place for over 100 years.”
“The Mascom National Derby has grown over the years, and attracted people from Botswana and outside. Further, horse owners from Angola, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa have shown interest in taking part in the race, which will no doubt ensure future development. This year, Namibia will be taking part for the third year, an exciting development that has enhanced the event,” stated Mascom.
Mascom has invested over P3.5 million over the years in the Maun Derby. The money ensured the fields are in an acceptable state for the races, and ensured that all logistics for the event are in place.
The Mascom Derby is a fun-filled event for families to attend and enjoy horse racing as well as other entertainment. There are always DJs and artists performing and a range of goods on sale.
In the past, Mascom has hosted an after party for the event. However, they moved away from that to ensure more focus is placed on developing the main event. “Once the event is to the level we desire, we will of course look for other opportunities to enhance entertainment on the weekend that will appeal to even more people,” read the statement from Mascom.
Mascom is confident the event as it is offers the local business community great opportunities to sell and promote their goods and services on the day. This includes the hotels and guesthouses, which are always fully booked for the Easter weekend, as well as local restaurants and shops. A large number of the stalls are set-aside for those who sell food and drinks to the public.
Although in the beginning the Mascom horse race used to be hosted in various towns, Maun has now established itself as the horse race capital of Botswana. This is evidenced by the huge and continued success of the event.
“We believe as Mascom, that it is more beneficial to the local community and the event itself to establish a home for it, rather than have the event at different places,” read the statement.
“This has also helped in terms of branding and promoting Maun as a destination for the Easter holidays. The same applies to events such as the ‘Durban July’, ‘Kentucky Derby’ and other similar events we aspire the Mascom National Derby to be one day,” the Mascom statement read.
There are 70 horse and 45 jockeys registered this year.
The race is open to interested horse owners and riders, and not limited to Botswana only. The organisers hope to see growth with other countries in the region partaking.
The prize money for the 2,400-metre race this year is P19,410 up from P17,000 in 2013.
Over 20 exhibitors registered for stalls this year. There will be various goods on display, some related to horse racing such as crops and goggles. There will be other lifestyle items from leather goods to clothing. The exhibitors intend to boost the local economy as the event attracts a lot of following, some of whom will be in a position to purchase goods on the day.
There will also be musicians, DJs as well as entertainment for children such as face painting and jumping castles.
“Further we will once again have the ever popular Best Dressed competitions, for Best Dressed Male and Female and Best Headgear,” Mascom stated.