Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RENOWNED trainer Thomas Mason made it a historic treble after bagging a third Castle Tankard title at the Borrowdale Racecourse yesterday.
His horse, Pocket Watch, romped to victory to secure a US$25 000 winner’s cheque.
Mason had won his first title in 2022 before a second arrived at the same venue last year when his pony, Action Zone, outclassed a pool of 16 runners.
Yesterday, before an appreciative crowd at the packed home of horse racing, Mason made it three Castle Tankard titles in what he viewed as “an unexpected victory’’.
Pocket Watch, branded number 16, taught his rivals a lesson in the last 30 of the 2 000-metre race, fending off challenges from Amy Parham’s Spet Flower and Last One Standing from veteran Debra Swanson’s stable.
“Honestly, this came as a surprise, I was not expecting to make it three titles in three runs . . . a record, which makes me feel that I might as well retire from the game,” he said.
“It is never an easy race, but I am glad that Pocket Watch made it. We bought him from South Africa, quite a gamble that we took and it has just paid off.”
South Africa’s 21-year-old Jockey, Malesela Katjedi, was on Pocket Watch’s back walking away as the gold medallist in his maiden Castle Tankard race.
Interestingly, Mason had to make do with Katjedi, a jockey he met on competition day after his usual rider opted for another horse in the competition. He felt the win was a culmination of months of hard work and investment in ensuring that his horses approach the competition in the best possible shape.
“It’s a dream come true. A lot of work was put into this project. We have been involved in racing for a very long time and this is what we wanted,” said Mason.
“I am very proud of the whole team that made this happen, all the grooms and everyone else who puts things together.
“A special thanks also goes to Delta Beverages; they have been absolute rock-solid sponsors of this race over the years.”
Delta Beverages marketing director Irimayi Muzorewa said the Castle Tankard had evolved into a tradition and flagship horse- racing showcase within the region.
“This is not just a race anymore, but a symbol of what perseverance can achieve,” he said.
“We gather not just for a horse race, but shared values, passion and a deep love for horse racing.”
The disappointment of the race, though, was the Swanson yard, who only managed to have one horse in the top three despite fielding nine out of the 18 horses that took part in the competition.
