Africa-Press – Botswana. Western Bypass, a thoroughbred horse from Motokwe, has been crowned the champion of the second edition of the Masa Horse Race after clinching position one in the 2 400m grand race in Samedupi on Saturday.
Western Bypass won P30 000.
Owned by Botswana Horse Racing Association president, Tymon Kelebeng, the horse that came from behind surprised the masses in a tight and thrilling race, which attracted top horses from Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia to test their mettle.
In an interview, Kelebeng said he was happy that his horse never disappointed as it had been winning other races across the country.
He also thanked the organisers saying, ‘this is the second edition of the race and we have seen a significant growth more so that this time we have seen sponsors in the likes of Sunbet Botswana and Mascom’.
He also said the presence of the Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng was an indication that government supported the sport because it had the potential contribute to the economic growth and eventually improve livelihoods.
He also gave credit to horse owners for participating in the race saying such showed growth of the industry as well.
Kelebeng said maintenance of horses was expensive; hence he thanked horse owners for showing determination and perseverance.
He however, appealed to the private sector to invest in horse racing so that horse owners could get better price monies citing that in other developed countries, the sport was more rewarding as horse owners were paid millions.
For his part, Minister Kelebeng said the sport was growing fast in the country.
He was also impressed with the horse track saying it was one of the best in the country as spectators could see horses racing from all angles.
“This was a thrilling race to watch as we got to marvel at horses and their jockeys racing at incredible speeds from the start line starting until to the finish point,” he added.
He said for a long time, the sport struggled to secure sponsors but appreciated that some sponsors had shown interest to support series of races across the country.
Kelebeng said the sport had potential to create employment, stimulate the economy and improve lives. However, he expressed frustration that the veterans in the horse industry were gradually losing interest and stressed the need to empower and encourage them to soldier on, as things would change for the better. He also indicated that Botswana Horse Racing Association was now an affiliate to Botswana National Sports Commission noting that sport ministry would support and develop the sport to ensure it grows in leaps and bounds.
One of the sponsors, Sunbet Botswana splashed P500 000 for the event.
The company’s country manager, Tsholofelo Makgoeng appreciated the event saying it was successful as it attracted the masses both locally and internationally. “We are impressed with the overall outcome of the event. We have really achieved what we wanted and I can assure the organisers that this is the beginning of bigger and better things,” she said.
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