OK Grand Challenge nominations out

Mandla Moyo Sports Reporter
NOMINATIONS for the OK Grand Challenge Grade (2) race, the sixth Leg Open Series set for June 6 at Borrowdale racecourse, have been pushed out. The race is 1,800M long.

The local horse racing authority Mashonaland Turf Club in association with the giant retail shop, have stepped up their preparations for the country’s most followed horse racing competition, by pushing out the nominations list.

A total of 16 runners have been nominated by their respective stables to fight for all the slots up for grabs in this year’s edition.

Horses that have found their way into the hat are All The Bids, Equina ,Lucky Sam, Menacing, Norgay, Rock The Country, Super Trouper, Thriller In Manila, Two Gun Kid, Warcraft, Yer-Maan, Wee Doch ‘N Dorris , Say So Tiger, Merhaba, Gokhan Terzi, Got A Hold On Me and Madigan

So far nine trainers are vying for places in this year’s competition. There are a lot of familiar faces alongside the visiting group from South Africa.

The local contingent of trainers is made up of the red- hot Gokhan Terzi, the stubborn Bridget Stidolp, Corne Spies, Kirk Swanson, Amy Brokhorst, and Alyson Wright.

During this year’s edition, Borrowdale Park is set to play host to trainer St John Gray from South Africa.

According to the race manager, Betina Gurajena, the supplementary stages and the weights and draws stage will be put to rest today.

“On Tuesday next week the final fields will be accepted. Once we are done with that we will start working on the race card,” said Gurajena.

Meanwhile, after several members of Mashonaland Owners and Trainers Association (MOTA) voiced they concern about lack of activity at the racecourse it looks like their prayers have been answered as Mashturf is set to host two races within seven days.

The Zimbabwe Oaks Listed race, the third Leg of the Triple Tiara (2000M) will be held on May 31 seven days before the Grand Challenge race roars into life.

Nominations for this race have been conducted. A combined total of 115 horses have been accepted as nominees. There are eight races that will be conducted on the May 31 race day at Borrowdale.

OK Grand Challenge Race Nominations June 6 (1,800m)

1. All The Bids Corne Spies 62

2. Equina Amy Bronkhorst 92

3. Lucky Sam Bridget Stidolp 95

4. Menacing Bridget Stidolp 81

5. Norgay St John Gray 85

6. Rock The Country Gokhan Terzi 83

7. Super Trouper Gokhan Terzi 89

8. Thriller In Manila Amy Bronkhorst 80

9. Two GunN Kid D’Aquino S L 89

10. Warcraft Alyson Wright 81

11. Yer-Maan St John Gray 98