Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
15 horses will battle it out in the 36th edition of the OK Grand Challenge Horse race set for Borrowdale Race Course on the 8th of June.
Borrowdale Race course will once again be a hive of activity as the 36th edition of the OK Grand Challenge Horse race takes centre stage on the 8th of June.
15 horses have been unveiled for this year’s race which will see a bigger purse after the sponsorship was increased to US$90 000 from last year’s US$70 000.
The line-up of the horses is impressive with Castle Tankard winner, Raffles being the headliner.
It is expected to be challenged by Wantage and Ideal View over the 1800m distance.
“This is very wonderful each year we look out for it and this year they come with an increased sponsorship this is boosting a lot and I hope to produce a winner this time around,” said trainer, Thomas Mason.
“I am very much excited this is a big boost and also considering the other top two races have also increased sponsorship it will boost us a lot but for me, there is a lot of pressure, I have the odds on favourite for the race but it’s carrying a bit more weight. Let’s see how it can do on the 1800m,” noted trainer, Bridget Stidolph.
The sponsors are committed to seeing more development in the sport.
OK Zimbabwe Managing Director, Phil Mushosho said, “We are on the cusp of yet another edition of one of Zimbabwe’s finest grade one horses the OK Grand Challenge. A story of phenomenal excellence spanning 35 years and a testament to the great things we can do as Zimbabweans when we stand together to transform the social and economic fabric of our nation.”
The winner of the race will pocket US$40 000, while the first runner-up will get US$16 000, with the bronze medallist getting US$12 000.
