17 May 2022

The Gabs/July horse race  slated for July 30  will showcase Gaborone as a sport and entertainment destination that could bring  business associates, horse  race lovers and offer an outing for family and friends.

Speaking at a press briefing recently, Gaborone Deputy Mayor, Lotty Manyapetsa said the event promised to grow horse racing sport in the country..

Manyapetsa said the event had the potential to promote both domestic and international tourism and therefore implored businesses to seize the opportunity and create partnerships.

The event, which was organised for July 2020,  was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year it is expected to attract over 10 000 spectators, who will not only be treated to the best horse racing but also a host of other activities.

Gabs/July Director, Wiseman Ben also told journalists that races for the day included thoroughbred 800m, 1200m, 1400m, 1600m, 2000m and 2400m; 800m Tswana breed, and two crossbreed of 1400m and 1200m.

He said the event would be spiced up with Motorbike Junior Category 85cc and show jumping 90cm for 110cm.

He said the biggest prize  was the 2400m thoroughbred race, with a winning prize of P100 000, with position two and three getting P50 000 and P25 000 respectively, whilst position four would get P10 000.

Ben said there would also be entertainment and fashion show, details of which, would be shared in due course.

Partnering with Gabs/July is a local company TKM Engineering, whose sponsorship entails debushing, clearing and grading the race track, to the tune of P135 000.

TKM Engineering Director, Boipuso Masala said the company supported the development and growth of sport through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

Masala said Sebele National Agricultural Show race track could be an asset for sport development and entertainment.

Registration for the Gabs/July horse race started May 1 and will end May 30 and can be accessed at www.gabsjuly.co.bw. ENDS