In a significant show of support for local culture and heritage, Econet Telekom Lesotho (ETL) has committed over M500,000 to sponsor this year’s Royal Cup horse racing tournament. The event, a key feature of Lesotho’s cultural calendar, will coincide with the celebrations of King Letsie III’s 61st birthday and the country’s 200th bicentennial festivities, adding to its grandeur and importance.
The Royal Cup, was co-founded by His Majesty the late King Moshoeshoe II and British settlers in the early 1980s, this eventholds a special place in the hearts of Basotho and horse enthusiasts. This year’s event, organized by Bienvenue and the Lesotho Jockey Club, will take place at the Mohale’s Hoek’racecourse. A well known hub for horse racing in Lesotho.
Motlatsi Russel from Bienvenue highlighted at a press conference on Tuesday, August 20th, held at Lancer’s Inn Hotel, that this is the second year of the Royal Cup in its current format, following a successful debut last year. The race is expected to draw over 50 horses, contributing significantly to the local economy by boosting tourism and creating jobs.
While the full official program for the Royal Cup will be released on September 12th, exactly one month before the event, registration for the races is still ongoing through the Lesotho Jockey Club. The race card, detailing the horses entering each race and the corresponding prizes, will be released on October 5th to ensure a well-organized draw. Although racers can still register after this date, a penalty fee will apply. The final draw is scheduled for October 11th, just a day before the race.
The event will adhere to international racing rules and regulations this year, reflecting the organizers’ aspiration to elevate the Royal Cup to an internationally recognized competition. Motlatsi Russel encouraged attendees to come well-dressed, as there will be a competition for the best-dressed man, woman, and best hat, judged by two prominent Sotho designers. Winners of these categories will receive individual prizes.
Phatšoane Tšuhlane of the Lesotho Jockey Club announced that this year’s event will feature only flat races, with five distinct categories. These include:
1. Lesotho Grid – Which is exclusively for horses born and bred in Lesotho.
2. Maiden Plate – Which is for beginner horses or those that have never won a race.
3. Bottom Division – For experienced horses.
4. Top Division – For the best horses, where the Royal Cup winner will be determined
5. The Farewell- A final race for all horses that have raced and others looking to join.
The Lesotho Jockey Club, established in 1986, has long been a cornerstone of horse racing in the country, and this year’s Royal Cup promises to uphold that legacy.
Puleng Mathabo Masoabi, representing ETL’s Marketing Communications and Customer Experience department, expressed pride in sponsoring the event. According to Masoabi, the Royal Cup embodies values that Basotho hold dear, such as community, heritage, and excellence. This is the second consecutive year that ETL has sponsored the Royal Cup, contributing a total of over M1 million across the two years. Last year’s sponsorship amounted to M650,000, and this year’s M500,000 injection underscores ETL’s commitment to supporting this prestigious event and sports in the country in general
In addition to the races, ETL will host side activities such as the ‘Predict and Win’ competition, where spectators can guess the winning horse in a set race. Winners will receive prizes from ETL’s own funds, with details to be officially announced on September 12th.
As the Royal Cup draws nearer, excitement is building across Lesotho. This event not only celebrates the birthday of King Letsie III and Lesotho’s bicentennial but also serves as a testament to the enduring tradition of horse racing in the countryand the love and friendship between a Mosotho and a horse.With the support of sponsors like Econet Telekom Lesotho and the commitment of organizers; Lesotho Jockey Club and Bienvenue, the Royal Cup is poised to be a memorable occasion that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Lesotho.
