Chronicle EditorTakudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE 2016 edition of the Castle Tankard horse racing field nominees were announced at Borrowdale yesterday. The event will see 13 runners taking to the starting stalls, with the likes of seasoned campaigners Equina, Lucky Sam, Rock The Country, Merhaba and Print The Pound in for the Grade One race.
Equina, from the Army Bronkhors yard, will have to battle it out with several other big contestants in the 200-metre race set for May 7.
Gorkhan Terzi and Bridget Stido stables had the highest number of entries with four runners each.
The Gorkhan Terzi stable have Eurakilon, Pacifica, Merhaba and Rock the Country while Stido have Flax, Print the Pounds, Mathematician, who won Sunday’s race, and Lucky Sam.
Speaking during the official final acceptances, Delta Beverages marketing manager Patricia Murambinda said they were happy to be associated with Mashonaland Turf Club and hope to continue with the relationship.
“Today marks an important day in the country’s horse racing calendar as we unveil the 56th edition of the Castle Tankard final acceptances event.
“The Castle Tankard is the first-ever sponsored horse race in Africa and it is no exaggeration that it remains the most prestigious horse race in Zimbabwe. The race has left a formidable mark to reckon with in our horse race fraternity. This year’s field will have serious runners which will create excitement around the event.
“These will come by way of strong local and international horses,” said Murambinda.
Mashonaland Turf Club chairman Christopher Peech said they were proud to host the prestigious horse race, the only Grade One race in the country.
“The Castle Tankard’s appeal cuts across borders and attracts the cream of thoroughbreds.
“It is one of Southern Africa’s biggest race in terms of stakes and prize money. We are grateful to our sponsors for the support over the years, the $50 000 race stakes is the biggest on offer at Borrowdale race course,” Peech said.
Nominations
Flax, Lucky Sam, Mathematician, Print The Pound (all Bridget Stido); Eurakilon, Rock the Country, Merhaba, Pacifica (all Gokhan Terzi); Lava Flow, Tallie Two (both Penny Fisher); Far Fee (Ormond Ferrar); Equina (Amy Bronkhors); Silva Hawk (kirk Swanson).
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