This site was out of action for a month – for reasons still unknown – but racing went on at Borrowdale Park.

The 1450m Zimbabwe Challenge was won by veteran crowd pleaser What A Dandy on February 11, but his next outing on February 23 in the Ipi Tombe Stakes (L) did not turn out well, as he collapsed during the race, giving trainer Debra Swanson a “terrible fright”. Fortunately What A Dandy and jockey Norbert Takawira survived this incident but What A Dandy is unlikely to race again, and the 8-year-old retires having won 17 races.

The 2023 Ipi Tombe Stakes was won by Holy Land, trained by Vanessa Birketoft and Hennie Greyling was riding. Wantage ran a close second. Holy Land is owned by Messrs R S Dyer, S N Buchan, N Evans, M K Chant, G de Jong, A Dixon, R Morgan, R S Sherwood & Bryn Ressel.

This was also a memorable day for Tomcat Racing. From only four runners Thomas Mason saddled three winners – Battle Of Seattle, Testify and Prince Of Kimberly.

SAD NEWS

On March 9 the Borrowdale Park community was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of John Koumides. “JK” was an ardent supporter of Borrowdale Park for many years. He owned What A Dandy and many other champions, and Borrowdale will not be quite the same without him.