The Sunday Mail
Society Reporter
Borrowdale Race Course, the traditional home of horse racing, is expected to be a hive of activity as the 63rd edition of the prestigious Castle Tankard takes place on May 6.
The Castle Tankard is one of the biggest horse races on the continent and is an equivalent of South Africa’s Durban July.
The local event is sponsored by Zimbabwe’s largest brewer — Delta Beverages.
However, the event is more than a horse race as it is one of the highly anticipated events on the entertainment calendar.
Enzo Ishall
It is a complete package that combines the arts, entertainment, tourism, fashion and sport. Several activities will spice up the major event. This ensures there will be something for everyone at this year’s edition.
Fashion enthusiasts, as per tradition, will battle it out in a “fashion show” that will be taking place on the day. The ladies and gentlemen never disappoint as they always come dressed to the nines.
Music enthusiasts will be treated to some first-class entertainment by sungura maestro Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso, Enzo Ishall, DJ Naida, Etherton B, Andile Brown and DJ Rush, among others.
Delta Beverages acting general manager, lagers, Mr Rod Baloyi, said the Castle Tankard remains a much-anticipated event with a rich history.
The organisers note that the event is a force to be reckoned with and has left a mark among the horse racing fraternity.
They said it has stood the test of time, growing bigger and better every year and, in the process, “helping to develop communities around us through employment creation”.
“Having started in 1960, the Castle Tankard has and continues to be the only grade one horse racing event in the country,” said Mr Baloyi.
“This makes it the most prestigious and sought-after title by horse owners while attracting interest and participation from across the region.”
Preparations are now at an advanced stage for the event, which starts at 8am and ends at 10pm.
In an interview, Delta Beverages marketing manager Ms Kundai Mawema said the highlight of the event is the afterparty show that will feature seasoned musicians.
“We have included some of the most sought-after entertainers in the country for this special 63rd edition. Basically, we have everything for everyone, drinks and food included, making this a must-attend event,” she said.
The premier race will be run over 2 000 metres for an ultimate price of US$50 000. The final Castle Tankard entries are Grand Warrior, Only Him, True Beauty, Mr Greenlight, Holy Land, Wantage, Bugatti Blue, Lily Blue, Masaaken, Dindingwe, Three To Tango, Down to Business, Ideal View, Citrusdal and Raining Again.
