Horse racing back at Agric show

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Staff Writer | Friday August 17, 2012 00:00

 

The Gaborone National Derby will form part of festivities at the show which will be held at the newly-established grounds in Sebele starting August 27.

The race organised by Liffords, a local event management company, will take place on the last day of the show on September 1. Managing director, Boyce Sekgoma confirmed that various horse owners and jockeys around the country have shown interest in the race.

'It has been a long time since horses raced at the Gaborone show. This is a good opportunity for those who have missed the sport,' he said. Sekgoma noted that they are using the show to kickstart efforts meant to develop the sport. The company wants to ultimately help jockeys form an association which would make it easy for them to affiliate with the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC).

'Horse racing is not only a sport for leisure, it can be a very viable industry which can help in the diversification of the economy as it has proved in other countries like South Africa. The Durban July is an international event which brings a lot of money into South Africa for instance,' he said.

He urged private companies to sponsor the event saying it is an opportunity to expand their brands as horse racing has proved to be a favourite of many. He cited the annual Mascom Derby held in Maun as a case in point.

'That event creates such a lot of excitement it lures people even from neighbouring countries,' he said.The company, according to Sekgoma, has set aside over P157, 000 for the event. In total, there will be 10 races, and the horses will be graded in three categories, thoroughbred, Tswana breed and crossbreed.