29 Apr 2024

Horse race fanatics and enthusiasts over the weekend thronged the quiet village of Lotlhakane East as more than 30 horses were competing in the horse derby race.

If coordinated well and judging from the attendance, the Lotlhakane East horse derby race, the event has a chance to revamp the sleepy village to being a horse race hub and destination of choice.

Speaking in an interview, Kanye North Member of Parliament, Thapelo Letsholo challenged the residents to take advantage of the value chain processes that came with the race. 

“This race has potential to provide lucrative opportunities for the locals. We need to host a show that can grow to becoming notorious for its fashion statement,” he said. 

He added that the race needed to be a place for a more spectacular and thrill in the field of horse race, and that could only be achieved through concerted efforts. 

“We have to work towards providing a unique opportunity where race goers can browse and purchase array of items including designer clothes, jewelry and even horse race accessories,” he said. 

He shared that his dream as their representative was to witness the race being one of the country’s best tourism destinations for horse race fans. 

“My aim is to see Lotlhakane East as home of the famous races in the country and in turn, the rest of the world,” he said. 

Letsholo therefore appealed to the organisers to further benchmark from other similar reputable events, citing the Durban-July horse race, which is held annually in Durban, South Africa. 

“We need to work hard towards ensuring that we grow this race in order to attract more horse racing fanatics where they can swarm in to experience action packed and lively entertainment. This will in turn benefit our locals’ economically,” he said. 

Letsholo further said his primary contribution towards the show had been to forge linkages of sponsorship with companies so they could invest in the race and in turn make it one of the most iconic and a must-see destination for tourists.

 “We need to seriously work hard towards popularising this sport so that it displays exhilarating action and becomes a magnificent race,” he said. 

He shared that the community needed to understand that there was opportunity in selling horse race accessories other than just focusing on food. 

“Our race has grown over the years as currently we are able to invite jockeys from across the country. This year we have been able to secure P7 000 worth of sponsorship, however we are still calling for more sponsorship and participation from the private sector,” Lotlhakane East Horse Race Society chairperson, Johannes Roman said, adding that the race was on its eighth year. 

Roman said the race was unique as it offered opportunities for exposure for their local jockeys to had a chance in battling it out with other jockeys from other parts of the country. 

“We also offer a great gathering for all ages, the families enjoy delicacies from our locals, whilst it’s also a perfect opportunity for colleagues to converse,” he added. 

Meanwhile, in the 2 400m elite race, under the thoroughbred category, Montana Sky and its jockey from GRS stable scooped position one, followed by Suncity and its jockey, Tebogo Keipeile also from GRS Stable and with William and its jockey from Kokotsha attained position three, winning P5 500, P4 500 and P3 500 respectively. ENDS