Delta reaffirms commitment to horse racing

DELTA Corporation, has reaffirmed its commitment to continue sponsoring the Castle Tankard horse race. The company will sponsor the 2014 edition of the most prestigious horse racing event slated for May 10 to the tune of US$50 000. Maxen Karombo, Delta Corporation’s marketing director expressed optimism that this year’s event would be bigger and better.

“The Castle Tankard horse race has left a formidable mark to reckon with in our horse racing fraternity,” said Karombo.  “It has stood the test of time and is growing bigger and better every year. Our punters this year will walk away with US$50 000,” he said.

Clever Mushangwe, the Mashonaland Turf Club chief executive weighed in saying: “Generally, Industry and Commerce are suffering severe strains and from an economic stand point, 2014 may be regarded as an unusual year. In spite of that, our partners have once again re-confirmed their commitment to the Castle Tankard horse race and we take pride in that. We value this level of commitment from Delta, to maintain the existence of Castle Tankard Race and the development of Horse racing in Zimbabwe.”

Nominations for the race, which started in 1960 under the name The Castle Brewery Invitation Stakes, have already opened and will run until April 28.

The Financial Gazette Sport understands that there have been a large number of South African riders who have made enquiries about the Castle Tankard event, with the aim to participate in the premier horse race in May.  There are so many names over the last runnings of the Tankard that have woven and fashioned Borrowdale Park into a great race course.

Last year, 14 horses took part in the Castle Tankard event with A King is Born emerging as the winner for trainer Alyson Wright, carrying 52kgs, allowing the stable to successfully defended the trophy which they had won in 2012.

Ginepri came second for trainer Seb D’Aquino followed by Captain’s Tiger in third for trainer Kirk Swanson while Lisa Harris’ Alula Borealis came fourth. Harris, the champion trainer of many years, won the 2009 and 2010 Tankards.

In 2011, Castle Tankard went to South Africa with the late Grisham winning, trained by Geoff Woodruff, the brother –in-law of the mighty Terence Millard.The 2012 edition of the Castle Tankard saw 13 horses taking it to the start including Earl of Surrey, Captain’s Tiger and Got Personality. There were also South African riders such as House of Wax for trainer Geoff Woodruff and Code Rock for trainer Alyson Wright. Rock won the 2012 edition of the Castle Tankard race after which he was shipped to Mauritius to continue his racing career.

Kirk Swanson, made history by winning the 2005, 06 , 07 and 2008 Tankards with owners being Khalfan, the vice chairman of the Mashonaland Turf Club, the Gorringe and Smith families – both big supporters of horse racing.

The late Harken Mordt, trained the 2003 winner, Aspen Wildfire whom the Mordt family owned in partnership with Rod Keast.  The 2004 Tankard was won by Bart Rice with Millstar for his wife, then girlfriend Pamela Geach. Rice is now training in KwaZulu Natal

Other prizes to be won at this year’s Castle Tankard include four Nissan NP300 vehicles, double cab Nissan Navara, while traders will walk away with 1 500 cases of Castle Lager.              

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