Championship horse race in Motokwe
The annual Champions Cup horse racing event is expected to take place this weekend at Motokwe Village in the Kweneng district. The annual event that happens to be the only horse racing event in the country this year, is expected to attract different categories, including thoroughbred and Tswana breed horses. The event, which has gone from strength to strength over the years, will feature horses from different places across the country, including Motokwe, Kokotha, Ghanzi, Dutlwe, Tshwaane and Jwaneng. In an interview with BG Sport, one of the organisers of the race, Timon Kelebeng from TT horse racing stable in Motokwe said many of the competitors have confirmed their participation in the event. “We are expecting to have thoroughbred race horse that compete on television in South Africa,” Kelebeng said. He further explained that the thoroughbred event will include numerous categories, including 8000m, 2400m, 1400m, 1200m and 1000m races. There will also be Tswana breed categories including grade 1( 1400 and 1000m) as well as Grade two ( 1200, 1000 and 800m). “Furthermore, the Champions Cup organisers are expecting a major boost in the arm this year as the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development is expected to sponsor the event at an undisclosed amount. Kelebeng further revealed that the Minister of Sports, Tumiso Rakgare will be expected to grace the event. “We are doing our best to keep the horse active as there has not been a lot of activity due to the COVID - 19 pandemic. Thoroughbred horse is expected to be running almost every month and their up- keep is extremely expensive and this may be mitigated by the prizes won from competition.” In addition , Kelebeng said they were hoping the weekend event will open up the opportunity of other major events like the Mascom Derby and Ghanzi to return after interruptions caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the organisers said they are hoping to entice corporate companies for sponsorship to the growing horse racing showpiece. We are expecting horse racing enthusiasts to throng the event as we will be complying with COVID- 19 protocols.