Botswana horse racing unveils first-ever starting gates at Kokotsha
The gates offer a consistent starting point that enhances race integrity and reduces disputes compared with manual starts.
Botswana.- The Botswana horse racing sector introduced its first-ever starting gates at the Kokotsha Horse Derby, held on Saturday, February 21, at the Resting Place grounds in the Kgalagadi District, marking a significant development for local equestrian sport.
Starting gates are designed to hold horses in individual stalls before the race and release them simultaneously at the start. They replace traditional manual methods, providing a standardised beginning that reduces false starts and uneven breaks, improves fairness and lowers risks for both horses and riders.
The gates were unveiled by Hon. Jacob Kelebeng, Minister of Sports and Arts, who described them as a symbol of a fresh “starting line” for the region’s horse racing industry. Introduced with government funding in collaboration with the horse racing community, the gates offer a consistent starting point that enhances race integrity and reduces disputes compared with manual starts.
Officials from the Botswana Gambling Authority attended the race, using the opportunity to engage stakeholders on responsible gambling and regulatory compliance. Speaking at the event, acting CEO of the Gambling Authority, Moruntshi Kemorwale, emphasised the importance of responsible betting in regulated sports such as horse racing, urging spectators and bettors to wager responsibly and follow national regulations.
