Staff Writer
A total of 12 runners are up for the 62nd edition of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious race — the Castle Tankard — scheduled for May 11, 2024 at the Borrowdale Park.
Mashonaland Turf Club vice chairperson Richard Beattie narrated the genesis of the Castle Tankard saying it has remained the most coveted race in the land.
“In February 1960, the then Rhodesian Breweries offered to sponsor the race, for a stake of £2,100.00. Thus on Easter Monday, 18th April, 1960, the Castle Tankard the continent’s oldest sponsored Grade 1 horse race was born under its first name The Castle Brewery Invitation Stakes.
“A field of seven runners lined up, and the result fully bore out the South African opinion of Riza, who beat local horse My King by 4 ¾ lengths.
“The Castle Tankard, as the race is now known, has undergone changes over the years . . .but it remains the most coveted race to win in the Zimbabwe calendar,” Beattie said.
Beattie promised an exciting afternoon of horse racing and good cheer with Castle Lager.
“Saturday 11th May this year will witness the running of the 2024 Castle Tankard being the most prestigious and sought after title by horse owners, trainers and jockeys in Zimbabwe…. whilst also commanding the interest and participation of those from in the region. 14 entries have been submitted for this year’s race including last year’s winner, Ideal View from the Debbie Swanson yard,” he said.
He thanked Delta Beverages, the Board of Stewards, MTC members, owners and trainers for at the final acceptances
“Special thanks are due to Lucky Nkunzane, Head of Lagers, and as always Kundayi Mawema, and Irimayi Muzorewa and your whole team. Thank you for your unfailing support and generosity,” he said.
Marketing manager Lagers, Kundayi Mawema, said this year’s theme Ride the Legacy pays tribute to the friendship and partnership that was forged between flagship brand Castle Lager and the Mashonaland Turf Club many years ago.
“As The Mashonaland Turf Club, you remain resilient year on year, despite the economic challenges, to nurture, and keep the sport of horse racing alive and we continue to applaud you for your on going effort.
“ It gives us an opportunity and a reason to meet each year over an ice cold castle lager! Our sponsorship and stakes of USD50000-00 reaffirms our own commitment to the sport of horse racing, and we hope that it will go a long way in resourcing the owners, trainers and jockeys whom we wish the very best in this year’s race,” Mawema said.
Final Field
Brianna, Ideal View, Holy Land, Raffles, Dindingwe, Citrusdal, Wantage, Admirals Chance, Rainging Again, Tradition, Jacky Sparrow, Majestic Warrior.
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