Return of fun at the races

IF you are in search of pomp and fanfare this Saturday, try the Castle Tankard horse race at Borrowdale Race Course in Harare.

Apart from the major event, where a total of 13 runners will mark the return of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious race, there will be several other activities to add flavour to this year’s edition.

But it is live performances by some of the country’s top performers among them sungura maestro Alick“Baba Sharo” Macheso, dancehall stars Winky D and Enzo Ishall that will attract many people’s attention.

The three have enough arsenal to bring the house down on any given day.

Besides, they have proved their mettle at the traditional home of horse racing in previous editions, through near-flawless acts.

The same is expected on May 7. Baba Sharo will most likely use the event to sample tracks from his forthcoming album due for release in June, this year.

“As per tradition, the group will be at their usual best. However, what makes this year’s edition so interesting is the event is coming a month or so before we release our new staff. New songs will be sampled as we also celebrate the return of the Castle Tankard horse race following a long break,”said Baba Sharo’s manager and publicist, Tich Makahamadze.

The prestigious event, which is sponsored by Delta Beverages through their Castle Lager brand, had been shelved since the onset of Covid-19-induced lockdowns in 2020.

“The Castle Tankard horse race has left a formidable mark to reckon with in our horse racing fraternity. It has stood the test of time, and it is a race which has helped to develop communities around us through employment creation,” reckon the organisers.

“The event started in 1960 and continues to grow. It is the Grade One race and most 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.”

Organisers are expecting to host an incomparable event, one that will leave lasting impressions.

“I have never missed a single edition since I turned 18. The event is so refreshing in all manner,” said Tapiwa Mangwiro, a 35-year-old staker.

Finchatton, Lily Blue, Holy Land, Mr Greenlight, Only Him, Wantage, Amstrong, Bugatti Blue, True Beauty, Love The View, Citrusdal, Heir Line, Three to Tango are the accepted runners for this year’s edition.

Castle Tankard is Africa’s oldest sponsored horse race and comes in the same mould as the Durban July Horse race competition that runs under the Durban Fun Season Campaign.