23 Mar 2022

The Mascom Derby billed for Maun on Easter Holidays will have new races to make the event more glamorous and attract more participants.

The derby, which usually attracts horses from Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho,  draws spectators from all corners of the country and beyond borders.

A member of the organising team, Tshepo Tshotlako confirmed in an interview that this year’s competition had additional races of 1 300m, 1 800m, 2 000m and 2 200m.

In the previous races, the competition focused on the 800m, 1 000, 1 200, 1 400, 1 600 and 2 400m.

However, Tshotlako pointed out that this time, Tswana category would compete in three races while Thoroughbred would compete in 10 races. 

Registration for new races, he said, was open until end of this month.

Tshotlako also revealed that they had introduced 400m where three horses would compete. 

The race, he said, was intended to entertain spectators at the same time cultivating new generation for sport and showcasing the difference between Tswana and Thoroughbred.

The chosen horse owners, he said, would walk away with P2c000 each while the jockeys would be awarded P550 as an appreciation.

“This is the biggest Easter holiday sports event in the country bringing many visitors to the tourism destination. 

We want to create some lasting memories for spectators more so that the event has been halted for two years due to COVID 19 pandemic,” he added.

He also noted that the race was not only meant for fun but it would also give small business owners a chance to set up exhibitions and food stalls for sale.

In terms of preparations, Tshotlako highlighted that everything was on track citing de-bushing of the farm to create more space surrounding the track so that spectators could be able to see racing horses from all angles.

He also pointed out that efforts were ongoing to improve roads towards the main gate with the intention to erect a fence along the main road to the gate to control traffic.

He also announced that eight horse owners from Maun had shown interest to participate while other horses would come from as far as Kareng, Sehithwa, Ghanzi, and Charles Hill.

A total of 120 horses are expected to participate in the two categories of Tswana and Thoroughbred and all the races would be competing for the total price money of P500 000.

Tshotlako stated that they were hopeful that Pasela Mothibi from Ghanzi would defend his championship title of the grand race. 

Mothibi was crowned the champion in the 2400m in 2019. BOPA