12 Mar 2015

Some stables will not partake in the popular Mascom National Derby scheduled for Easter Holidays at the Shashe Racing Track in Maun. 

This came after the race organiser, Botsepa Agency, a company that trade as Ngami Horse Racing, suspended them from the race for failing to comply with the set rules and regulations.

The event's chief organiser, Charlie Mabua confirmed in an interview that the management reached a decision to suspend some stables from participating in the Mascom Derby for a period of two years. He said cited as reasons for suspension, the horse riders’ conduct at last year’s derby, which compromised the integrity of the event. 

Mr Mabua said despite rules and regulations governing the event made clear to all participants, those who came from outside the country were harassed and this was contrary to the sportsmanship expected at such an event.

He noted that Mascom had engaged their company to organise and promote the horse racing event and as part of their responsibilities, they had to ensure discipline and implement the rules and regulations that govern all aspects of the event.

Mr Mabua said six stables were suspended because the owners wanted to interfere in the organisation of the event.“We were embarrassed last year because they went on a strike during the event and in front of invited guest.”

Last year, some local racehorse owners who participated in the Mascom National Derby expressed frustration regarding the organisation of the event after their horses performed badly in most races. 

Before the race started, a heated and lengthy argument transpired as local racehorse owners wanted to boycott the race because participants from Namibia and Lesotho were invited.  Meanwhile, in an interview some suspended racehorse owners admitted that they failed to register because they were told verbally that they had been suspended but no reasons had been forwarded. 

They said they learnt from others that they were suspended because they complained about some issues which they felt should be ironed out before the next horse race.

Their main concern was that the event was dubbed ‘Mascom National Derby’, but it attracted international participants and also argued that horse racing was very close to the hearts of residents of Maun and Batswana at large hence they should be given the opportunity to compete amongst themselves. 

For his part, Mr Keapoletswe Keapoletswe said there was no formal communication regarding their suspension and he was turned down when he came for registration.  “Decisions are made without our input and we are not benefiting from the event which we believed was meant to empower us as the locals,” he added.

Another racehorse owner, Mr Philip Wright shared the same sentiments, noting that this year’s event would be dominated by people from neighbouring countries. 

He said the famous horse owners from Maun, Werda, Barolong Farms, Charleshill, Nojane, Kareng and Sehithwa had all been suspended from this year’s horse race because they raised concerns last year. He said their efforts to meet with the organisers were futile as he failed to honour their meeting to discuss the issue.

Mr Wright said their complaints included the request to have the ground race improved, the engagement of qualified people to run the event and the insurance of participating horses.

For his part, chief organiser of the event, Mr Mabua dismissed claims by suspended participants noting that he called them to collect their suspension letters but they refused.

However, he said the preparations were going on smoothly and registrations had been completed. They are expecting participants from as far as Lesotho and Namibia to take part in the derby. ENDS