Mascom derby attracts 139 riders

Staff Writer | Wednesday April 1, 2015 10:00

The Mascom Derby is the highlight of Maun Easter Holidays calendar with dignitaries and tourists coming in from different countries around the world to join in the excitement. On Saturday 4th April 2015 at the Shashe Race Track, Mascom will host over 15,000 spectators at the biggest race by far. 

The race has attracted 139 horses for the six race categories: 800m, 1000m, 1200m, 1400m, 1600m and 2400m. This is a 50 percent increase of participating horses for both thorough and tswana breeds. Of the 139 horses, 115 horses are from Botswana; Gaborone, Maun, Charleshill, Werda, Jwaneng, Chanoga, Kareng, Semboyo, Bokspits, Tsabong, Toteng, Sehithwa and 24 from Lesotho and Namibia.

Charleshill has the highest number of horses registered for the race at 25, followed by Maun with 17 while Gaborone has four horses competing this year. “The Mascom Derby, 2015 aims to entertain and provide a family friendly, balanced and structured environment that will leave the audience desiring for more. A highlight of the day will be the on field Mascom prizes awarded to the best dressed female or male. Families will also be catered for with entertainment provided for both adults and children. Tickets are selling for P70 (for) adults and P30 for children under the age of 12. ,” said Mascom in a media release.

Mascom will donate P 50 000.00 to the Thuso Rehabilitation centre in an effort to assist the centre with renovating their therapy department.

The Mascom Derby has been in existence since 2006 and held over the Easter holidays. In its maiden years, the race was held between Gaborone and Maun, until finally relocating to Botswana’s cosmopolitan tourism capital, Maun.

“Maun is the perfect host to the Mascom Derby because for the true Maun resident, horse racing is part of a rich tradition borne from a town reputed to be Botswana’s hard living “Wild West Town”. The 2015 race premieres the new name ‘Mascom Derby’ from the famous Mascom National Derby.”