By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – ETL, in partnership with Bienvenue, officially announce the return of the Royal Cup, a prestigious horse racing event combined with a celebration of high fashion.
Scheduled for October 12th, 2024, in Mohale’s Hoek, this year’s event coincides with two momentous occasions, the 61st birthday of His Majesty King Letsie III and the bicentennial celebration of the Basotho nation.
The announcement made during a well-attended press conference in Maseru, where the organizers detailed their vision for the event. This year’s Royal Cup promises to be an extraordinary spectacle, featuring six competitive flat races that will not only highlight Lesotho’s rich equestrian heritage but also serve as a cornerstone of the country’s 200th bicentennial celebrations.
The Royal Cup, now in its second edition, transcends the realm of sports, embodying a strategic initiative aimed at driving economic development in Mohale’s Hoek. The town is expected to experience a significant economic boost from the influx of visitors, with local businesses and entrepreneurs poised to benefit from the increased foot traffic. Vendors and exhibitors will have a platform to showcase their products, ranging from local crafts to gourmet foods, thereby invigorating the local economy.
Aligning the event with the birthday of His Majesty King Letsie III underscores its national significance, symbolizing unity and pride among Basotho. The Royal Cup serves as a powerful reminder of Lesotho’s cultural richness and the enduring legacy of its people, drawing the nation together in a shared celebration of history and tradition.
In addition to the thrilling horse races, the Royal Cup is set to be a grand showcase of fashion, attracting designers, fashion enthusiasts, and trendsetters from across Lesotho and beyond. The event will feature a series of high-fashion displays, with the theme for this year being “Royal Blue with a Touch of Gold and Shade of White.” Attendees can expect a blend of elegance and modernity, with fashion stalls offering the latest in couture, accessories, and more.
The event is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities, both in the lead-up to and during the race day. Furthermore, it is expected to boost local tourism, as visitors will have the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty and cultural attractions of Mohale’s Hoek and its surrounding areas. This, in turn, is likely to contribute to the long-term growth of the region’s hospitality and service industries.
Mr. Motlatsi Russell, a representative from Bienvenue, expresses optimism about this year’s event, stating, “This year’s Royal Cup will be an even greater success than the inaugural event. We have over 50 horses competing, and the winner will walk away with a grand prize of M100,000.00.”
Race cards will be distributed to participants on October 5th, with a penalty imposed on late registrations. No refunds will be given to those who withdraw from the competition unless validated via doctor’s note certifying that their horse is unfit to race.
“This year’s theme, Royal Blue with a Touch of Gold and Shade of White, reflects the elegance and grandeur of the event,” Mr. Russell adds. There will be food vendors, fashion stalls, and exhibition booths, with the expectation that the Royal Cup will contribute significantly to the growth of Lesotho’s economy.
Mrs. Puleng Mathabo Masoabi, ETL’s Acting General Manager of Marketing Communications & Customer Experience, emphasizes ETL’s commitment to supporting sports as a means of job creation and economic development for Basotho.
“We are proud to invest M500,000.00 in this year’s Royal Cup. This event not only celebrates our equestrian heritage but also harks back to the days when horses were the primary mode of transportation in Lesotho,” she said. Mrs. Masoabi hopes that this year’s event will see at least one female rider participating.
In a bid to enhance the spectator experience, ETL will introduce a betting platform where attendees can place wagers on their favourite horses. Additionally, ETL will award cash prizes to those who make winning bets, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Mr. Phatšoane Tšuhlane, representing the Lesotho Jockey Club, provides further details, noting that there will be five main races this year, each promising to be fiercely contested.
As the countdown to October 12th begins, excitement is building for what promises to be a landmark event in Lesotho’s social and economic calendar. The Royal Cup, with its unique blend of sport, culture, and economic development, is poised to leave a lasting legacy in Mohale’s Hoek and beyond.
The Royal Cup, co-founded by His Majesty, the late King Moshoeshoe II, and British settlers in the early 1960s, has evolved into a symbol of national pride and cultural continuity. This year’s event, set against the backdrop of Lesotho’s 200th bicentennial celebrations, will undoubtedly be a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of the Basotho people.