22 Jul 2026

Spectators at the Resting Place Grounds were treated to high-octane action over the weekend as King of Satima stormed to victory in the flagship 2400-metre grand race at the annual Kokotsha July Derby.

Hailing from Khawa and owned by Titus Manyoro, King of Satima delivered a thrilling performance to claim top honors in the event’s most anticipated category.

It was a tightly contested battle down the homestretch, with Red Summit, owned by Mujee Phineas from Maun, securing a strong second-place finish.

Rounding out the top three was fan-favourite Dups Dups, owned by Kokotsha’s Kabo Medupi, who brought the local crowd to their feet with a solid third-place podium spot.

Meanwhile, speaking at the event on Monday, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nelson Ramaotwana, commended the Kokotsha Village Development Committee (VDC) and the Kokotsha Horse Racing Association for transforming the derby into one of the Kgalagadi District’s most anticipated annual events.

Since its inception in 2023, the derby had grown rapidly through strong collaboration between the community and key stakeholders.

Ramaotwana said the event demonstrated what could be achieved when communities united behind a shared vision, unlocking tourism and commercial opportunities in rural areas.

He said what began as a local initiative had evolved into a platform that attracted visitors from across Botswana, creating opportunities for accommodation providers, food vendors, transport operators, artistes and other local entrepreneurs.

Ramaotwana noted that this year’s edition had expanded beyond horse racing to celebrate Botswana’s cultural heritage through traditional performances, exhibitions promoting local businesses and the introduction of the Miss July Derby pageant, which combined entertainment with economic empowerment and community participation.

The minister thanked sponsors, volunteers and medical personnel for their contribution before officially declaring the event open.

Kokotsha Horse Racing Association chairperson, Kabo Medupi, said the derby had grown into a significant platform with the potential to drive sport tourism and rural economic development.

He appealed to corporate organisations, private companies and individuals to increase sponsorship, saying greater financial and material support would enable organisers to expand the event and attract international competitors and spectators.

Medupi said with sustained investment, the Kokotsha July Derby could evolve into a cross-border sporting spectacle, positioning Kokotsha as a recognised sport tourism destination while creating more economic opportunities for the local community. ENDS