admin
Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE 2014 edition of the prestigious Castle Tankard Horse Race was launched at the Borrowdale Racecourse yesterday with brewing company Delta Beverages injecting US$50 000 into this year’s competition.
Nominations for the race have already opened and will run until April 28.
But it is the announcement by Delta that they would once again bankroll the Tankard which guaranteed the prize money for the race.
Delta Beverages marketing director Maxen Karombo said they were happy to stage the 52nd edition of the Tankard and expressed optimism that this year’s event would be bigger and better.
Karombo, who was represented by the company’s marketing manager Patricia Murambinda, said they had lined up a number of sideshows that would guarantee prizes for their consumers and the punters.
“We are happy to celebrate with you a 52-year journey of the Castle Tankard horse racing event.
“The Castle Tankard is the first ever sponsored horse race in Africa and it is no exaggeration that it remains one of the most prestigious horse races in the country. Those of you in the know and with long and deep memories will remember that the Castle Lager relationship with horse racing dates back to around 1904 when the Castle brand first played a significant role as an advertiser,’’ Karombo said.
The Tankard, Karombo also said, had stood the test of time “and is growing bigger and better every year”.
“The event will run with the theme ‘destination perfection”.
“We are also grateful that we are partnering Mashonaland Turf Club who have helped in making this event an anticipated and competitive race on the local racing meetings,” Karombo said.
Mashonaland Turf Club representative Howard Mkundu said they are happy to be part of the Castle Tankard history.
“To be part of the Castle Lager history is a heritage to us which was built over more than half a century and we will continue to preserve it.
“We thank our partners who have stood the trying times and we do not regard 2014 as an unusual year. Our partners have committed to the Castle Tankard horse race and we take pride in that.
“It is a clear authentication and resilience of our partnership with the brand and Delta Corporation. We value this level of commitment from Delta to maintain the existence of the Castle Tankard race and the development of horse racing.
“We are happy to be part of the grand promotion,” Mkundu said.
Mashonaland Turf Club racing manager Robson Chinamasa said they were expecting a strong field with some entries from South Africa.
“We are expecting a strong field on the day and the entries have begun and we will close on April 28,” said Chinamasa.
Online Reporter
dyton mupawaenda