Sport

Horses society raises concerns over congested schedule

Kabelo Boranabi | Friday April 3, 2020 20:29

Horses society raises concerns over congested schedule
 
Horses society raises concerns over congested schedule

The month will hold two events, two weeks apart, which has raised health concerns for horses, trainers and jockeys.

On July 4, 2020 the inaugural Gabs July Derby is set to take place at the Sebele Horse Race Track while on July 19, Mascom Derby will take place at Maun. The 14th Mascom Derby was initially scheduled for the Easter Weekend but has been rescheduled to July 19 due to the pandemic.

Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Horse Society Botswana (HSB) chairperson, Ben Maekop said it is a ‘wait and see’ situation. He, however, said it could cause congestion, raising concerns over the wellbeing of the participants. “I cannot really say much on anything at the moment because in the state that we are in anything can change any minute. Everything has come to a standstill, it has been cut down to zero, and nothing is moving at the moment. But we are partners with the Gabs July, they have affiliated with us. With Mascom Derby, they have been doing their own thing. Truth be told they have not affiliated the event with us, we are not really partners. We only come in on advisory matters that include the wellbeing of the participants.”

“I think it will go down to the organisers of the two events. As HSB, we are trying by all means to live in the same pond with anyone who may be involved in horse racing, but as things stand we are just waiting to see how this will turn out. This is not the time to make the decisions, I believe both organisers would have mapped a way after the pandemic. We are not yet sure if neither events will go on as planned due to the situation the world is in,” Maekop said.

A whooping P100,000 prize money is set for the Gabs July Derby, the highest payday in local equestrian sport. In its first year, the event will feature a 120km endurance race for professional riders and also an 80km race for novice riders.  The Mascom Derby on the other hand, has been the biggest draw card in horse racing.