MASHONALAND Turf Club chairman Brian Black yesterday thanked Delta Beverages for remaining committed to the development of horse racing in the country after the beverage maker unveiled a $50 000 stake for the Castle Tankard horse race.
BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
The 53rd edition of the most coveted local horse race which has been set for May 16 at Borrowdale Race Course was launched in the capital yesterday, with the organisers anticipating a quality field.
Castle Lager’s relationship with local horse racing dates back to around 1904, when the Castle brand first played a significant role as an advertiser which makes it Africa’s oldest sponsored race.
Black paid tribute to Delta Beverages for their continued support to the horse racing fraternity despite the tough economic environment currently prevailing in the country.
“We are grateful to the Delta board and management for sharing with us this Castle Tankard moment again this year,” said Black.
“With grateful thanks, we recognise that this race stands as a test of the strength of our relationship. Indeed it is an archetype of prestige, innovation and endurance, the three traits that have also raised the profile of Borrowdale Park through the hosting of this prestigious race.
“The race has a history that we cannot only measure in terms of length of time, but also the commercial significance that is deep rooted in the business strategy for our partners.
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“That the business environment is strained is fact and most businesses have long engaged in survival mode. We are therefore very pleased about our partner’s continued investment in the race, because this is also a direct investment into the development of horse racing.
“The promotional prizes that include five vehicles, $50 000 stake and thousands of dollars in cash and prizes are a huge confidence booster and activation for the multitudes of customers, who are also our punters. For that we are thankful and committed to supporting the promotional initiatives fully,” Black said.
Delta beverages marketing manager Patricia Murambinda said the Castle Tankard horse race has left a formidable mark to reckon within the local horse racing fraternity.
“The Castle Tankard horse race has left a formidable mark to reckon with in our horse racing fraternity. It has stood the test of time, and is growing bigger and better every year. It is a race with a history in our country. It is a race which has helped develop communities around us through employment creation.
“It has stood the test of time, and is growing bigger and better every year. It is a race which has helped to develop communities around us through employment creation,” she said.
Murambinda also paid tribute to the Castle Tankard horse race organisers for running the event in a professional manner. “Our partners (Mashonaland Turf Club) have as always managed the race with professionalism, integrity and above all, in line with true world standards. I cherish the quality and strength of our relationship with these, our partners. It is as it should be. Relationships are important,” she said.
The premier race will be run over 2 000 metres at Borrowdale Racecourse and they had already received a number of enquiries from South Africa.
Top rated filly Equina with Zimbabwean-born jockey Karl Zechner holding the straps became the female horse race to win Africa’s oldest sponsored race in 16-years after romping to victory last year.
