the latest in zimbabwe But it is in the economic field that Zim racing has seen most improvement, achieved under the prudent guidance of key stewards and officials such as John Koumides, Chris Peech and Peter Cawood (to mention just three). The minimum stake for any standard horse race is currently $3,600 (approx £2,400) of this the winner picks up 60 per cent or $2,160 (£1,440). Since most horses are trained on the course, there are no transport charges, jockey fees are $65 per ride and the winning jockey and trainer’s commissions are eight per cent and 12.5 per cent respectively. Overall, the net expectation for a winning owner is about $1,700 (£1,050) One might say it is modest fare, but not in the context of training fees which average
Our climate makes for easy breeding, but a lot of stud farms were forced to close through the early noughties, however others have resurfaced and people are returning to breeding horses. It might be not on as big a scale as before, but many breeders are making inroads. And, just like anywhere, if a horse is good enough it will win. In March I took a couple of two-year-olds to Johannesburg in order to run in South Africa – I am sure they are good enough to be competitive in the country. One is called Stroller and he is based now with trainer Ormond Ferarris – I am sure he will win his next start as he is good enough. Go to www. formgrids.co.za and look him up! We definitely need more horses to race and we are actively trying to encourage owners in South Africa to send horses to Zim that have found their place in the merit rating in SA, because they can still win in Zimbabwe. We prove this every week, for instance 'Go Me Gal', who was unplaced in Johannesburg for months, won her first start in Zimbabwe last week. South Africa’s top owner Marcus Jooster sent four horses up from Johannesburg to be raced by a syndicate of five guys, just for a bit of fun. The four had all done their thing in SA and would have gone on to be hacks, but they now have a new life as racehorses. We desperately need more people like Mr Jooster We have a system through which I get sent older horses from Johannesburg trainers Roy Magner, Ormond Ferarris, Paul Matchett. We invite a few guys in to form syndicates and race them straight away and often it can work, for instance, I brought up a filly in February who had not finished in the places in her last nine runs. She won first her start by 5l. This sort of system means that at least and the owner/owners don't have to wait for months or years for a prospect bought from yearling sales to become a runner. A saving grace is that racing in Zim is broadcast over Telly Track South Africa, and therefore can be seen where ever they broadcast to. We have a constant battle to make sure that we are not cut us off (field sizes are not economic for the Tote) but we seem to have a few guys behind the scenes who pull the loyalty card, otherwise the channel would love to chop us. But by having some exposure, we can operate a professional Tote and
about $425 per month! It means that winning a maiden plate can cover your training fees for four months. Such a comparable win would hardly cover two weeks training in the UK! Borrowdale Park is a beautifully manicured garden course, a little like Ripon or York and racing takes place every two weeks. A key feature of the success of Zim racing is that high profile horses are kept in training for a number of years and can often still be running as eight or nine-year-olds. These champions become well loved and respected amongst punters and race goers alike – they are the Kauto Stars and Desert Orchids of Zimbabwe. Maybe there Zimbabew can give a lesson or two to Britain’s Racing For Change
with our revenue from operating the Lotto racing seems to keep its head above water. They are always trying new ways of betting and the latest being the football pools. The locals are passionate about football and understand the sport, but the money hopefully comes back to racing. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe is in limbo – plenty of people have money and want to invest in anything, but are all sitting on the fence waiting for some sort of definite direction. This impacts directly on racing as it is a leisure sport and people will participate only if they have an operating business, so we depend on the stalwarts who bring their friends into syndicates. It is very cheap to do, just finding the people is the problem. Since New Year I have noticed a few new faces at the races, not necessarily new owners, but they are people who come to the balcony restaurant or to visit the functions that are put on during races. People can come to eat, drink and sit with their friends and, importantly, have something to do. There is not a lot to do in Zimbabwe city area, but at the races you can do what you want and nobody hassles you or makes you feel uncomfortable or out of place. There are a few black people involved and at not very high profile, but I am finding more and more seeping into the industry, offering services and trying to supply anything from hay, maize and even oats to horseshoes and nails from South Africa – these are people who get on the internet and buy and sell anything. They see racing as a wellorganised and sound industry in which to get involved. Hopefully, they may one day get more involved as owners. I had a black guy contact me from Bulawayo wanting me to help him import a Quarter horse stallion and four mares from South Africa. His dream is to resuscitate quarter horse breeding back into Zimbabwe and re-open racing in Bulawayo. He never stops asking me about horses, breeding and racing, and can he come to see me, is he allowed, so on and so on. You never know what may come of it. We need the black community to get more fully involved – all is needed is one guy with connections to start the ball rolling.
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weather through the winter. The credentials of Zim racing are being further underscored by the exploits of some of its graduates, notably the champion sire Kitalpha – a brother to Kingmambo who stood for several seasons in Zim until being exported to the US a couple of years ago. Then, of course, there are the Zim-bred champions who have gone on to win big races in South Africa, these include the Zim Triple Crown winner Earl Of Surrey, who has won or been placed in several Group 1 races in South Africa. Furthermore, the former champion trainer Neil Bruss now has a successful yard in the Cape, whilst his illustrious brother Robin has become one of the most competent bloodstock agents around the world.
www.internationalthoroughbred.net
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