King to grace horse racing event
MOTSAMAI MOKOTJO
MASERU – Ramela Foundation is set to mark the 60th anniversary of its founder and philanthropist Bishop David Thakadu Ramela by hosting a variety of events, including a horse racing event in which King Lestie III will be in attendance.
According to the Foundation, the all-year extravaganza will include the horse racing event pencilled for this Saturday at the Mohale’s Hoek horse racing track.
“The event, held in celebration of Moshoeshoe’s Day, marks the founding of the Basotho nation by King Moshoeshoe I in 1824. It is poised to be the most prestigious horse racing event in Lesotho’s history, with a staggering prize pool of M500 000.
“Equestrians will compete in two exciting categories: the Triple Race and the Flat Race, offering unparalleled competition and entertainment for participants and spectators alike,” the statement from the Foundation notes.
Ramela told the press this week that the rationale for hosting a horse game was informed by the fact that when he was growing up, a lot of families owned horses, hence the need to revive such a memory.
“We used live riding horses even when there was a need to inform others of the passing away of loved one; a horse was used.
“Basotho are renowned for horses; that’s why even in Gauteng they ‘you guys eat transport,’ Ramela, who is a business executive, said.
“I want us to take pride in the launch of the horse racing also appeals and resonates with His Majesty (King Letsie III); he loves the sport very much; our intention is to make a professional event…We shouldn’t be running to the July Handicap in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.
“In two to three years to come, we want to officially launch a horse racing ground,” he said, adding, “We must seriously take this sport.”
He urged Basotho to take pride in themselves and own up to the uniqueness of their identity as a people.
“In three years’ time, we will make sure that there’s a professional horse racing track in Mohale’s Hoek; Lesotho will start to enjoy the fact that it’s a gifted country, starting with herd boys, that this is engrained within our blood.
He said they are going to continue to celebrate his birthday with different activities throughout the year.
