Castle Tankard: Horses get ready to gallop

Fungai Muderere

IT’S a 63-year-old friendship and the horses are getting ready to gallop!

The esteemed Castle Tankard Horse Race makes a return with 63rd edition of the event scheduled to take place on 6 May at Borrowdale Racecourse.

The horse competition is sponsored by Delta Beverages through their Castle Lager brand and it still has its long-standing partners Mashonaland Club.

“The Castle Tankard has, and continues to be, the only grade one horse racing event in the country. This makes it the most prestigious and sought-after title by horse owners, trainers and jockeys in Zimbabwe, while also commanding the interest and participation of the same, from across the region,” said the organisers of the event through a statement.

They added that with USD$50 000 at stake the day would be packed with excitement as the finest horses jostle to win the ultimate trophy.

Last year, the then four-year-old filly True Beauty clinched the race as the Castle Tankard Horse Race returned after a Covid-19-induced hiatus.

For the victory the winning horse took home $50 000 as Africa’s oldest horse race made a spectacular return.

Another four-year-old, Only Him, came second, followed by Holy Land (third) and Wantage (fourth) in the 13-horse race.

True Beauty was trained by Thomas Mason and Denis Schwarz was the jockey.

“All preparations for the day are well under way, and the whole country is invited to come and enjoy this day with us. Lots of entertainment is lined up for our loyal consumers and horse racing enthusiasts as they look on and enjoy the day with their friends,” further said the organisers.

It was also revealed that there would be musical acts from Alick Macheso and Enzo Ishall supported on the decks by DJ Naida, Etherton B, DJ Andile Brown, DJ Rush and more.