04 Oct 2023

Horse race has been described as a sport with potential to significantly contribute to the national economy.

Speaking during the Lotlhakane East horse race on Sunday, Kanye North MP,  Thapelo Letsholo, urged Batswana to take advantage of the horse race value chains to better their lives.

“There is a lot in this sub sector that Batswana could take advantage of such as production of feeds, taking care of horses, training them, racing, as well as production of equipment such as saddles and jockeys’ clothing.

All this would bring an income to a good number of people,” he added.

Letsholo, who sponsored the event to the tune of P25 000, said sport united the nation as people came together from different parts of the country as spectators, competitors and small traders.

Lotlhakane East horse race chairperson, Bonno Mohutsiwa, said they were happy with the overall delivery of the event, noting that it had grown as compared to the previous editions.

He said their aim was to use the event to positively change people’s lives, noting that they have realised its potential in improving lives.

Timon Kelebeng, whose horse scooped position one in Thoroughbred 2400 metres grand race, said the race was showing signs of growth in Botswana, hence his belief that it was time for government to meet them half way in taking it to greater heights.

Meanwhile, Thoroughbred 2400 metres race was won by Western By-pass from Motokwe, owned by Kelebeng and he walked away with P4 000, followed by Winterton from Takatokwane owned by Outee Vissage and got P3 000.

Sarita from South Africa scooped position three and won P2 000.

Western By-pass also emerged victorious in the Thoroughbred 1 600 metres, winning P2 000, followed by Flika from Lobatse owned by Leon Steinberg and won P1 500, while Kilimanjaro from South Africa finished in the third position, winning P1 000.

Sarita scooped position one in Thoroughbred 1 200 metres, walking away with P1 600; Montana Sky owned by Ivan Dekoker from Tsabong came second, winning P1 050 and Flika finished in third position, getting P750.

Thorough Breed 800 meters was won by Bustirious Buddy, owned by Outee Vissage from Takatokwane and got P1 300; Say Nomore from Modipane owned by Babitsang finished on second position, winning P1 000, while Diesel Extra from South Africa, owned by Lucky finished on third position and walked away with P750.

There were other categories such as Cross and Tswana breeds and the prize money ranged between P500 to P1 200. ENDS