This three-day event, organized in partnership with the African Lotteries Association (ALA), built on the positive experience of the previous year, bringing together leading horses and jockeys.
This equestrian event was an opportunity for SOREC to welcome several delegations from the continent with the aim of highlighting African expertise in the field of racing and games, and promoting attractive and responsible recreational practices on the continent. .
After the “resounding success” of this event in 2023, this 3rd edition “met expectations in terms of participation and satisfaction, both from jockeys and the public, while arousing strong emotions”, rejoiced Mr. Omar Skalli, general director of SOREC, during the awards ceremony.
Mr. Skalli also underlined that the 2024 edition will undeniably strengthen the international visibility of the horse racing industry in Africa, expressing SOREC’s determination to support the development of this sector on the continent.
During this last day, several competitions took place, including the SOREC Prize, the PMU Prize, the Marrakech Prize, the African Brotherhood Prize, the ALA Prize, the Palmeraie Prize, the African Grand Prix and the Jockeys School Prize.
Note that this 2024 edition has had a new format, with a forum intended for African experts to address the regulation of games, in particular the security, legal and fiscal aspects.
Pursuing the ambition to position the equine sector as a driver of development in rural areas, SOREC focuses its action on the valorization of breeds and the monetization of horse uses in order to support the emergence of economically viable and sustainable ecosystems. financially independent.
Time.news Editor: Welcome back to Time.news, where we bring you the latest insights from events shaping our world. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Aisha Mbatha, a leading expert in equine sports and an advocate for the integration of technology in horse racing. Dr. Mbatha, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Mbatha: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: We’re excited to discuss the recent three-day horse racing event organized in partnership with the African Lotteries Association. It sounds like it was a significant gathering. Can you tell us about the impact such events have on the industry?
Dr. Mbatha: Absolutely! Events like these have a dual impact. Firstly, they provide a platform for showcasing leading horses and their talented jockeys. This not only highlights the skill involved but also promotes horse racing as a sport. Secondly, they can drive economic growth, especially in regions where this sport is less popular. It encourages tourism and stimulates local businesses.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting point about economic growth. Could you elaborate on how the partnership with the African Lotteries Association plays a role in this?
Dr. Mbatha: The African Lotteries Association’s involvement is crucial as they help in funding and promoting the event. Lotteries often generate significant revenues, which can be reinvested into the horse racing sector, enhancing infrastructure, training programs, and marketing efforts. Their support can also legitimize the event, attracting more participants and spectators.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating to see how these partnerships can make such a big difference. In terms of the experience from the previous year’s event, what lessons do you think organizers took into account for this year?
Dr. Mbatha: I believe they focused on feedback from stakeholders including jockeys, trainers, and spectators. This might involve improvements in race-day logistics, enhancing the viewing experience, and ensuring better safety protocols for both horses and jockeys. It’s all about creating a more engaging and safe atmosphere for everyone involved.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of safety, how can technology improve the safety measures in horse racing?
Dr. Mbatha: Technology plays a critical role indeed. Advanced tracking systems can monitor horse health, while AI algorithms help in analyzing races for patterns that could indicate potential injuries. Additionally, better training simulations and virtual reality can prepare jockeys for various racing scenarios, enhancing their responsiveness on the track.
Time.news Editor: That sounds groundbreaking! As we look to the future, what do you think are the most exciting trends we can expect in the world of horse racing?
Dr. Mbatha: I’m very optimistic about the integration of sustainability practices and the use of data analytics. More events are focusing on their carbon footprint, and there’s a growing interest in ensuring the welfare of horses. Moreover, data analytics can help improve breeding practices and training methods, ultimately leading to healthier horses and more competitive races.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mbatha. Your insights are invaluable, and it’s clear that the future of horse racing is not only exciting but also shifting towards a more sustainable and data-driven approach. We appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise with us today.
Dr. Mbatha: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for horse racing, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves.
Time.news Editor: And that’s a wrap for today’s interview on Time.news. Stay tuned for more updates on events that matter.