Kananelo Mokhele
Lesotho’s horse racing scene is set for a historic boost as Bishop David Ramela, through the Ramela Foundation, has committed M500,000 in prize money for an upcoming horse race.
The event, scheduled for March 15, 2025, in Mohale’s Hoek, will not only celebrate Moshoeshoe’s Day but also mark Bishop Ramela’s 60th birthday.
This significant financial injection is expected to elevate horse racing in the country to a professional level, with the Ramela Foundation aiming to transform the sport into a major competitive event.
Announcing the half-a-million-maloti sponsorship on Monday, Bishop Ramela urged business leaders in Lesotho to invest in national development, emphasising that change must come from within and not from external sources.
“No one from outside the country will come to develop it for us. We must take responsibility and invest in our own nation. Those who bring change do so out of love, not for financial gain,” he stated.
His sentiments were echoed by Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts, and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, who commended the Ramela Foundation for recognising the importance of horse racing and giving it substantial backing.
“This level of sponsorship is unprecedented in Lesotho’s horse racing history. We as the government will build upon the foundation laid by this initiative to further develop the sport,” said Maqelepo.
The President of the Horse Racing Association of Lesotho, Khalanyane Lehora, described the M500,000 sponsorship as a milestone, noting that it was the first time horses in Lesotho had received such a significant financial commitment.
Lehora highlighted the success of Lesotho’s racehorses on the international stage, particularly at the prestigious Durban July in South Africa.
The race will feature two categories:
- Flat Race Horses – More than 200 horses from Lesotho, along with competitors from Botswana (10 horses), Eastern Cape (16), Free State (4), North West (2), and Gauteng (2).
- Draft Race Horses – A lineup including 6 Durban horses, Free State (4), Pietermaritzburg (7), Mpumalanga (8), Gauteng (2), and Eastern Cape (4).
During a stakeholder meeting, Lehora raised concerns about restrictions on horse transportation at night, an issue that has complicated the movement of horses with passports. He called on the Minister of Sports to clarify whether any legal provisions prohibit nighttime travel for horses and to engage relevant authorities to resolve the challenge.
Additionally, he encouraged more women to participate in horse racing, emphasising the importance of inclusivity in the sport.
The Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts, and Culture, Pokello Mahlomola, confirmed that prize money will be distributed equally across both race categories, ensuring fair competition among all participants.
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