THE CENTAURIAN is looking forward to Borrowdale Park’s 2023/24 racing season and has plans to make it better and better…

“I have written about this before – and make no apology for writing about it again – paraphrasing the words of JFK…. “ask not what the Turf Club can do for you, ask what you can do for your club”.

“As we put the last season to bed and look forward to the start of the new one, it is pleasing to be able to report that there are a good many folk actively doing constructive stuff for your club – and for that, all in the industry are immensely grateful.

“For a start, we have a new Board of Stewards – the old guard of Messrs Buchan, Dixon, Carter, Smith, Gorringe and Kirsty Stidolph have now been joined by Richie Beattie, Gary de Jong, Duncan Cocksedge and Chris Shepherd. The latter group have brought important skills and a new vibrancy to the Board and are already impacting at various levels. There is much focus on getting our course back up to spec and, whilst this may take a little time, the direction of travel is clear.

“Renewed focus is being given to the formulation of a racing programme which will cover a full twelve months. Given the paucity of horses in training, this is a tricky task but it is being pursued with vigour and creativity. More on Sponsorship later….

“To augment the efforts of the course and grounds team, we have an unnamed benefactor who has provided the club with a brand new tractor – a Farmtrac 50 HP model – which will not only save the club vast amounts on repair bills for the old kit, but will also provide a reliability which in turn will allow doing the tasks we need to do on time and in full.

“Speaking of benefactors, let it be known that a small group paid the NHRA some $7,500 towards its costs, and another benefactor loaned the club $10,000 for the same purpose.  Remember, without the NHRA racing would be dead and gone in Zimbabwe.

“Sight should not be lost of those stewards and other volunteers – and they know who they are – who continue to work hard at keeping the sand and grass tracks in some semblance of order. There are challenges here but they are not to be daunted – and maybe the new tractor will help.

“Progress in repurposing the club’s facilities continues in the right direction. To remind you, in just four short years, the club’s rental revenue from its retail estate has risen from a paltry $100 per month to closing on $40,000 per month. OK, there are some increased costs associated with this revenue stream – notably Zesa – but the net position is becoming increasingly robust. And new retail outlets are being found and let – and rental rates are reviewed annually – so there is more to come.

“Whilst the club’s potato venture in the infield has yet to yield a net revenue stream for the club, it is now confidently expected that funds will begin to flow into our coffers from November – just four short months away. It is expected that we can expect to benefit to the tune of up to $100,000 per annum.

“Of course, the health of the industry is related to the sums, and whilst it is true that purses have been slashed to the bone, owners and trainers are beginning to see the benefit of the Stewards’ efforts to secure more and bigger sponsors. In this regard, I would like to make specific mention of Mr Kamal Khalfan (the Republic Cup Trust) and Mr Shaji Ul Mulk (Ul Mulk Holdings). Their efforts resulted in the greatest sponsorship of the year when US$75,000 was provided for the running of the Republic Cup on the 15^th July. These were real dollars. On that very same day, we had a new sponsor – for the Zimbabwe Derby – Pam Golding Properties who provided a purse of US$8,000 – more real dollars. With stakes being paid down to six places, these funds were nicely spread about.

“Activity in trying to unlock the opportunities stored in our land bank continues apace, and success will still provide the club with important opportunities to grow and expand our racing industry. However, given the successes we have had in all the other areas I have mentioned, we are less pressed than we used to be in this regard.

“In many respects, horse racing has become a bit of a Cinderella sport in Zimbabwe – especially when you see it in the context of what has become of cricket and its re-emergence as a mass, popular sport. Accordingly, serious efforts are being made to re-engage with the media and social media – and to increase the attractiveness of racing, not only to would-be owners and racegoers but to the younger generations – early forays are extremely promising.

“Speaking of ownership and racegoers,  it is pleasing to report that ZimFun Racing Club has just completed a third season – and done so with a bang – three wins at Borrowdale, several places and one win in California and one in Australia! Importantly, this club now has some 150 subscribers – many of whom go racing whenever they can, and in so doing add considerable decibels to the Owners and Trainers bar.

“So lots of people making lots of effort to enhance racing at Borrowdale Park – but I want more! A lot more!

“Looking to the future, we need more owners and more horses. Syndicates are the way forward – ten folk buy a horse for $3,000 then it is $50 per month per member – and I will help run it for you – FOC!

“In the short term, I would like to find a benefactor who might help us upgrade the irrigation system for the grass track – just $12,000.

“And how about a few sponsors who could fund more material for the sand track – budget there is $20,000.

“Finally, funding for broadcasting potential – shares in $20,000 would help.

“In closing, I would like to congratulate all trainers and owners for supporting the club through the 2022-2023 season. Debbie Swanson creamed the trainers’ log and Messrs Murray, Littleford and Rugg were deserving top owners with their very game 3-year-old colt, Down to Business.

“Bring on the new season – which starts Saturday 7^th October – be there.”

By The Centaurian.10 August 2023.