The Republic Cup is always a great day at Borrowdale Park, and never forget being on-course is better than watching on TV.

There will be plenty of high fashion about, but don’t be put off if casual is your thing. You will have company. Racing is really about the horses, thundering hooves, and screams from the crowd when a finish is almost too hot to handle.

It is a seven-race card with competitive fields and some top visiting jockeys in the mix. All of Bernard Fayd’Herbe, Greg Cheyne and Corne Orffer have plenty of big race experience in South Africa. I wonder what surprises they will spring here.

The first race on Saturday is due off at 12.25 pm and the 1900m Republic Cup (Gr3) is at 16.00pm.

Put all the troubles behind you, bring your family, and enjoy the outing.

Photograph by Zimbabwe Equine News