Lesotho targets Durban July-style growth after US$137,000 horse race investment
Organisers position Moshoeshoe’s Day race alongside Africa’s biggest horse-racing and betting events ahead of the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Lesotho.- As anticipation builds for the 130th Hollywoodbets Durban July, scheduled for 4 July with a record R10m (US$549,000) prize pool for the race, Lesotho’s recent Moshoeshoe’s Day horse race is drawing renewed attention after organisers said they aimed to reach standards comparable to South Africa’s premier horse-racing spectacle.
Organisers invested more than M2.5m (US$137,000) into the 2026 edition of the event, which was held in Peka on 18 April and attracted riders and horses from across Lesotho and South Africa, including competitors from KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Free State and the Eastern Cape.
The Ramela Foundation also increased prize money from M500,000 (US$27,000) in 2025 to M600,000 (US$33,000) this year as organisers intensified efforts to position the race alongside some of Africa’s leading horse-racing events.
Ramela Foundation founder Bishop David Thakadu Ramela said the initiative aimed “to elevate horse racing in Lesotho to international standards comparable to events such as the Durban July in South Africa,” according to Newsday Online Lesotho. Ramela added: “This is not about me, but about Basotho (the people of Lesotho). We want to grow our economy, promote tourism and create opportunities for our people.”
President of the Equestrian Association of Lesotho Elliot Lehora said the race attracted international interest, with 15 horses from outside the country registered to compete. “We are grateful for this support because it is something that has never happened at this level in the country,” Lehora said.
Lehora added that organisers were encouraging greater participation from women riders as the local racing industry continues to expand. “We now have women riders in Maseru, and we want them to be part of this growing industry,” he said.
Tourism and economic boost
The event generated increased economic activity for local traders, food vendors and transport operators during race week, and South African competitors secured second and third positions in some races and rider Gedion Lesia won both the 12-mile and 18-mile races.
Event organiser Puseletso Makhakhe said the initiative was designed to create tourism, cultural and business opportunities for Basotho communities. “The event is not only about horse racing. It is also about tourism, culture and business, where Basotho will have opportunities to sell their products and benefit economically,” said Makhakhe.
Lesotho’s minister of tourism, sports, arts and culture Motlatsi Maqelepo described the race as a strategic tourism product capable of attracting visitors and stimulating local economies. “This event celebrates Basotho identity, culture and unity. It is a tourism product that will attract visitors and stimulate local economies,” said Maqelepo.
