Jill Bruss, an integral part of Borrowdale racing for many years, passed away this week and it is hard to imagine Borrowdale Park without her. Rosemary Dorward, with input from Lisa Harris, compiled this excellent tribute to their dear friend.

“Jill Bruss was born in England but came out to Rhodesia with her parents shortly after the end of the Second World War. She was just four years old at the time.

“Her married life began early when she wed the well-known and much-liked “man about town”, Micky Heath. Micky played polo, and competed regularly in showjumping, mostly at the agricultural shows. They had three children in quick succession: Michael, known to many as “Beefy”, who now lives in Australia, and daughters Susie and Jackie. With three young children close in age, Jill’s days were busy and full. As life so often does, circumstances changed and a new chapter began. Mickey moved on and Chris Edwards came into Jill’s life. He farmed at Melfort on a property aptly named ‘’The Paddocks,’’ a place that suited Jill perfectly. Like Mickey,  Chris was also a talented rider, particularly as an amateur race rider.

“In those days country race meetings were a lively and colourful part of rural life, with amateur meetings held at Umvukwes, Beatrice, Bromley and even Northern Rhodesia. It was through these race days that Jill was first drawn into the racing world, and it was around this time that Neil Bruss came into her life. They married, and had a daughter, Kerry. Neil would go on to reign supreme in the training ranks at Borrowdale, with Jill steadfastly behind him. Jill’s connection with racing deepened, and she became increasingly involved in the daily work and understanding of racehorses. From then on, racing would remain one of the great passions of her life.

“In later years Jill and Neil went their separate ways, and she continued her life in racing.  She spent time with the Peech family at the renowned Rumbavu Park Stud, where she helped raise many outstanding horses, including the champion Circle The Sun. Jill was a true horsewoman, equally adept at producing a young horse to its best as she was identifying one at the Yearling Sales.

“Though she was always humble about taking credit for the purchase of the mighty Ipi Tombe, it was Jill who first spotted her and recommended her to the Sunmark Syndicate. At the time, Jill was managing both the Sunmark Syndicate and the Sunmark Thoroughbred Stud, both of which became an enduring part of Zimbabwe’s racing history.

“Over the years, Jill also worked for several respected trainers in the industry, including Murray Lindlay until his tragic death in the Bromley air disaster, Lisa Harris during her Borrowdale heydays, Bridgie Stidolph, and, most recently, Debbie Swanson, who welcomed Jill at her stables when age was beginning to creep in. This gave Jill a purpose and a place in racing right up until the very end.

“Through her dedication and love of the complex workings of the racing world, Jill became an important thread in the rich tapestry of the Thoroughbred racing industry. Those who worked with her will remember that racing yards do not run on horses alone, they run on the silent, dependable people behind the scenes who keep everything together. Jill was one of those people. With her knowledge, loyalty and steady presence, she became the quiet backbone of many yards over the years, and the racing world will be poorer without her.”

Photograph by Jenny Stock.