The two-day event featured top jockeys and elite horses from across Botswana and neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunbet<\/strong>, an online horse racing betting platform, provided on-site betting services, allowing spectators to place bets on the race and win in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the final lap, Western-by-pass<\/strong> won the Thoroughbred 2,400m<\/strong> with a prize of P30,000<\/strong>, (\u20ac1,962) while its jockey Solomon Ndura<\/strong> took home P3,000 <\/strong>(\u20ac196). Superjet<\/strong> secured second place, earning P20,000 <\/strong>(\u20ac1,308) <\/strong>for its owner, while its jockey, Roney Tsiakaka<\/strong>, claimed P2,000 (\u20ac130). Chief Helmet <\/strong>finished in third place, receiving P15,000 <\/strong>(\u20ac981) <\/strong>and P1,000 <\/strong>(\u20ac65) for its owner and jockey.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the racing action, the event featured local food, music and cultural exhibits that celebrated Botswana’s heritage. Local music stars Charma Girl, Dingo Jowa, Chokoma, Dr Vom and Mon-namogolo wa Thulaganyo<\/strong> entertained the crowd with their energetic performances. Spectators also participated in various attractions like horseback riding, boat cruises, quad biking, game drives and helicopter tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To reduce the ecological impact of the event, organisers teamed up with an environmental agency, implementing measures such as waste management, noise control and temporary infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The gathering brought a much-needed economic boost to the village of Nata, with shops, vendors and lodges in the community experiencing an increase in patronage over the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The success of the event was attributed to the collaborative effort and support of the Gambling Authority<\/strong>, the Botswana Horse Riding Association<\/strong>, Sunbet and the Nata Bird Sanctuary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lawrence Ookeditse<\/strong>, the Member of Parliament for Nata-Gweta<\/strong>, said: \u201cThis was a debut Makgadikgadi Challenge to be proud of. Congratulations to the people of our home, and thank you to the people of our country for embracing our home beautifully. I noticed a few things we can improve for next time, but overall, it was a great day. Thank you for supporting our dream.”<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/04\/nba-extends-us-betting-data-partnerships-with-sportradar-and-genius-sports-group-1-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\n