Story by Anashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE’S premier horse racing event, the Castle Tankard is promising fireworks, with an impressive lineup of 20 horses having been confirmed this Tuesday.
The highly anticipated event is set to take place on May 9 at the Borrowdale Race Course in Harare.
Last year, the race had 16, and with this increase, it promises to be a fiercely contested event.
Renowned horse trainer Debra Swanson has fielded the largest contingent with nine horses.
“I have got lovely draws of two, four and five, so I have got a few horses that have got a nice draw. But, you know, racehorses are incredible breeds. Once those gates open, nobody knows who is going to jump out quickest, who is going to have some luck in running. It all depends on lucky running. But my horses, I am very happy with all of them.”
Thomas Mason is up for the challenge once again, as his horse, Action Zone, the current title holder, looks to write another chapter in the history books.
“Action Zone is well prepared. I think this year’s golfing tank is much stronger than last year; stronger horses come in from South Africa than last year. So it is more competitive, we are trying to retain the title. There is only one horse in history that has done that. So we are trying to make history.”
The defending champion Action Zone will face stiff competition from last year’s runner-up, Jager Moon and 2023 winner, Ideal View, among other perennial campaigners.
