05 Aug 2013

All roads led to Serowe Farmers Ground, over the weekend, for Letshego Serowe Horse derby

The, event which attracted both the young and old saw the likes of Titanic, Raging Bull, Ladies, Bolt, Mantshwabisi and Marco polo amongst others competing in different races. Like the Maun-Mascom National Derby, the Letshego Serowe Horse Derby attracted many horse owners and jockeys from places such as Bobonong, Topisi, Mmadinare, Tshimoyapula and Serowe.

In an interview, Serowe district show vice chairperson, Molapolosi Moampe said the event qualified anyone with a horse to compete but they had to pay the registration fee.

Moampe said to ensure that the competition was open to all who had horses, the race was divided into two categories, namely the Tswana and the thorough breeds. Registration for Tswana was P50 while thorough breed was P100. About 25 horses competed in different races.

He said the day gives Batswana horse owners and jockeys the opportunity to develop the standard of horse racing by competing against one another The derby was sponsored by Letshego Financial Services Botswana at the tune of P50 000.

For his part Letshego marketing and sales office, Kealeboga Ngwiga said their main objective in sponsoring the event is to develop the lives of Batswana especially farmers through event. Ngwiga said they had been sponsoring the derby for three years now, and that there is massive improvement.

He noted that they do not only sponsor the event but also give financial advice to the community during the event, adding that the company believes sports can contribute to the growth of local economies while also promoting healthy lifestyles.

Ngwinga said the derby has shown positive growth and continues to be one of the most exciting events in the calendar of events in Serowe.

“Horse racing is very close to the hearts of many, over the years, we have seen horse owners from other areas of the country taking part in this event, besides participants from Serowe and surrounding areas, this year many from as far as Topisi were here,” said Ngwiga. One of the winners in the Tswana category Ogomoditse Gabokgowe from Mmadinare said the competition has improved much and thanked Letshego and Serowe Show Committee for their support.

Gabokgowe who won with his horse Titanic ridden jockey Laone Gabokgowe said the competition motivates them as horse breeders to showcase their horses and also share information with other on horse breeding. However, he pleaded with the organizers to provide water for their horses as they had to fetch water far in the village.

Pinky Fanyane walked away with first prize in the thorough breed category with her horse Raging Bull ridden by jockey Lovemore Fanyane which was the people’ favorite. ENDS