As excitement builds toward the 65th edition of the Castle Tankard, all eyes are on Ideal View, the frontrunner tipped to dominate Africa’s oldest sponsored horse race. Scheduled for 10 May at Harare’s Borrowdale Park, this year’s edition carries not only a US$50,000 prize purse but also the weight of history and legacy.
A total of 16 contenders have made the final list of accepted entries, confirmed this Wednesday, setting the stage for an intense showdown in Zimbabwe’s premier Grade One race, a two-thousand-metre classic that continues to define excellence in Southern African horse racing.
The Debra Swanson-trained Ideal View enters the competition as the odds-on favourite, drawing significant attention from punters and race analysts alike. However, the seasoned Bridget Stidolph, who masterminded last year’s victory with Waffles, is not conceding defeat. This time, she enters with two horses, Wantage, who placed third last year, and Citrusdal—both of which she believes could pull off an upset.
“We don’t have the favourites this year, but our horses come into the race with lower weights and solid experience over the distance. Sometimes, that’s all you need to turn the tables,” said Stidolph, signaling a strategic approach aimed at leveraging her runners’ conditioning and underdog status.
Behind Ideal View, a competitive field including Jaeger Moon, Abayyaan, and Majestic Warrior suggests that this year’s race will be anything but predictable. The depth of talent promises spectators a gripping event, while also showcasing the resilience and evolution of the sport in Zimbabwe.
Beyond the track, the Castle Tankard continues to be a beacon of Delta Beverages’ long-standing commitment to sport and community upliftment. Under the theme “The Legacy Continues,” the event dovetails with Castle Lager’s 130th anniversary celebrations, reinforcing the brand’s identity as a patron of tradition, excellence, and national pride.
“We’ve maintained the same prize purse as last year despite economic challenges,” remarked Delta Beverages’ Marketing Manager Kundayi Mawema. “It’s our way of appreciating the unwavering support of fans and stakeholders, and our dedication to changing lives through sport.”
Complementing the main event will be a series of supporting races and a celebratory show, making the Castle Tankard not just a highlight on the racing calendar but also a cultural and entertainment spectacle.
As the countdown begins, one thing is certain, whether Ideal View storms to victory or an underdog disrupts the script, the legacy of the Castle Tankard is set to gallop forward with pride and purpose.
